we could lose

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "we could lose" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing potential negative outcomes or risks in a situation. Example: "If we don't prepare adequately for the presentation, we could lose the client's trust."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

We could lose four.

The New Yorker

"We could lose".

The New York Times

"We could lose and still advance.

The New York Times - Sports

We could lose a few clubs, possibly".

The New York Times - Sports

We could lose the BBC".

The Guardian

We could lose significant senior scientific brains.

The Guardian

"We just didn't think we could lose.

The New York Times

Here's what we could lose for good.

The New York Times

PREMINGER: I really didn't feel we could lose.

The New Yorker

As a result, we could lose public trust.

The Guardian

Does it mean we could lose weight while eating it?

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "we could lose", ensure the context clearly indicates what might be lost. This adds precision and avoids ambiguity for the reader.

Common error

Avoid using "we could lose" without a specific object or goal in mind. A lack of clarity can confuse the reader and weaken the impact of your statement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we could lose" functions as a modal phrase expressing a possibility or potential outcome. The modal verb "could" indicates a degree of uncertainty, while "lose" signifies the potential negative result. Ludwig examples show diverse applications of this phrase.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Formal & Business

8%

Science

3%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "we could lose" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to express the potential for a negative outcome. Ludwig AI confirms its acceptability and widespread use. It is prevalent in News & Media sources and carries a neutral register suitable for diverse contexts. To ensure clarity, specify what "we" might lose and avoid vagueness. Consider alternatives like "we risk losing" for a slightly more formal tone.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we risk losing

Emphasizes the risk involved in a situation, implying a chance of losing something.

we might forfeit

Replaces "could" with "might" and "lose" with "forfeit", suggesting a possibility of losing something.

we are in danger of losing

Highlights the perilous state of potentially losing something.

we may relinquish

Substitutes "could" with "may" and "lose" with "relinquish", indicating a potential act of giving up something.

we face the potential of losing

Focuses on the potential negative outcome of facing a loss.

we stand to forfeit

Uses "stand to" to highlight the potential consequence of forfeiting something.

we are liable to lose

Suggests a probability or tendency to lose something, replacing "could" with "liable to".

a loss is possible

Expresses the potential for loss in a more impersonal and passive way.

there's a chance we'll be defeated

Replaces "lose" with "defeated", suggesting a potential failure or setback.

defeat is a possibility

Rephrases the idea as a general possibility of defeat, rather than a direct statement.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "we could lose" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, consider alternatives like "we risk losing" or "we stand to forfeit", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

What does "we could lose" imply in a sentence?

It implies a possibility of suffering a loss or negative outcome. The extent of the potential loss depends on the context in which the phrase is used.

Is there a difference between "we could lose" and "we might lose"?

The difference is subtle, but "we could lose" suggests a slightly higher probability or a greater sense of vulnerability compared to "we might lose". They are often interchangeable though.

Can "we could lose" be used in positive contexts?

While typically used in negative contexts, "we could lose" could be part of a larger statement where avoiding the loss leads to a positive result. For example: "If we invest now, we could lose some initial capital, but gain significant returns later."