we have lost

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "we have lost" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something has been lost, whether it be a physical object, a game, or an opportunity. Example: "After the final whistle blew, it was clear that we have lost the match."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

We have lost a gem!

The New York Times

"We have lost confidence.

The New York Times

We have lost vertical control.

Independent

We have lost only telephones.

The New York Times - Magazine

"We have lost our land".

The New York Times

We have lost," reports CNN.

Independent

We have lost our fear.

The Economist

"We have lost many martyrs".

The New York Times

We have lost them.

The Guardian - Film

We have lost comrades.

The New York Times

We have lost freedoms.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "we have lost" to express a concrete or abstract loss, ensuring the context clearly indicates what has been lost.

Common error

Avoid using "we have lost" without a clear object or context. Be specific about what has been lost to avoid ambiguity and ensure clear communication.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we have lost" functions as a declarative statement indicating a completed action with present relevance, often expressing regret, acknowledgment of defeat, or recognition of deprivation. As Ludwig AI confirms, this construction is correct and frequently used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Formal & Business

20%

Science

15%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "we have lost" is a grammatically sound and frequently employed expression used to convey a sense of loss, failure, or deprivation. According to Ludwig AI, its usage is correct. It's suitable for diverse contexts, predominantly found in news media, formal communications, and scientific publications. When using this phrase, clarity is key, making it essential to specify what exactly has been lost. Alternative phrasings like "we suffered a loss" or "we experienced a setback" can provide nuanced meanings depending on the intended message.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we suffered a loss

Emphasizes the experience of suffering as a result of the loss.

we experienced a setback

Highlights the idea of a temporary delay or reversal in progress.

we are now without

Focuses on the state of being deprived of something previously possessed.

we are lacking in

Indicates a deficiency or absence of something necessary or desirable.

we failed to maintain

Highlights a failure to preserve or keep something in its original condition.

we were defeated

Focuses on being overcome or vanquished in a competition or struggle.

we've come up short

Emphasizes the idea of not meeting a required standard or target.

we are bereft of

Highlights a sense of sorrowful deprivation or emptiness.

we squandered

Highlights the action of wasting something important and valuable

we have come undone

Emphasizes the sense of disintegration or collapse after a loss.

FAQs

How can I use "we have lost" in a sentence?

Use "we have lost" to indicate the loss of something tangible or intangible. For instance, "we have lost the game", "we have lost our way", or "we have lost confidence".

What are some alternatives to "we have lost"?

Alternatives include "we suffered a loss", "we experienced a setback", or "we are now without", depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "we have lost" or should I use another tense?

"We have lost" is grammatically correct in the present perfect tense. Other tenses might be appropriate depending on the context, such as "we lost" (simple past) or "we are losing" (present continuous).

What's the difference between "we have lost" and "we lost"?

"We have lost" (present perfect) typically indicates a loss that has relevance to the present, while "we lost" (simple past) refers to a completed action in the past without necessarily implying a current impact.