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Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
we lost that
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
The phrase "we lost that" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something has been lost or is no longer available, often in a context of regret or disappointment. Example: "After the last game, we lost that crucial point that could have secured our victory."
✓ Grammatically correct
News & Media
Sports
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified examples from authoritative sources
Exact Expressions
56 human-written examples
"We lost that fight.
News & Media
We lost that balance in the last decade.
News & Media
"I'm very glad we lost that argument".
News & Media
The freedom we lost that day will never return.
News & Media
"But can I remind you, we lost that match.
News & Media
But I really felt we lost that tonight.
News & Media
"We lost that final when we should have won it.
News & Media
But, as guard Matt Slauson said, "it was how we lost that was the biggest thing".
News & Media
They just talked bad how we lost that game — despite me not playing.
News & Media
"You can't go 34 games undefeated but it's how we lost that game.
News & Media
It was the manner in which we lost that was humiliating.
News & Media
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
Use "we lost that" to concisely express the loss of something tangible or intangible, such as a game, an opportunity, or a feeling. The phrase is suitable for conveying a sense of disappointment or regret.
Common error
Avoid using "we lost that" in highly formal or academic writing. Opt for more precise and sophisticated language to describe the loss. For example, instead of "we lost that opportunity", consider "that opportunity was forfeited" or "we failed to capitalize on that opportunity".
Source & Trust
89%
Authority and reliability
4.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The phrase "we lost that" functions as a declarative statement expressing the loss of something. It typically involves a collective subject ("we") and a direct object ("that"). Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and common usage across various contexts.
Frequent in
News & Media
85%
Sports
10%
Formal & Business
2%
Less common in
Science
1%
Encyclopedias
1%
Reference
0%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
In summary, the phrase "we lost that" is a common and grammatically correct way to express the loss of something, whether tangible or intangible. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is widely used in news, sports, and general media. While versatile, it's best to avoid overuse in highly formal contexts. Consider alternatives like "we forfeited that" or "we missed out on that" for more precise language. The frequency of its use across various authoritative sources underscores its acceptability and relevance in contemporary English.
More alternative expressions(6)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
we forfeited that
Replaces "lost" with "forfeited", implying a loss due to a rule or choice rather than a struggle.
we surrendered that
Emphasizes giving up or yielding something, suggesting a lack of resistance.
we relinquished that
Suggests a more formal or deliberate giving up of something, often a right or position.
that slipped away from us
Uses a more metaphorical expression to indicate a gradual or subtle loss.
that was taken from us
Highlights the idea that something was removed by an external force.
we were deprived of that
Emphasizes the feeling of being denied something, suggesting injustice or unfairness.
we missed out on that
Indicates a failure to obtain something desirable, implying regret or disappointment.
we failed to secure that
Focuses on the lack of success in obtaining or protecting something.
that opportunity passed us by
Specifically refers to a missed opportunity, implying a lack of action or awareness.
we couldn't hold onto that
Highlights the inability to keep something that was once possessed, implying a struggle or challenge.
FAQs
What does "we lost that" mean?
The phrase "we lost that" means that a group of people ("we") failed to retain or secure something, such as a game, an opportunity, a feeling, or an object. It often carries a tone of disappointment or regret.
How can I use "we lost that" in a sentence?
You can use "we lost that" to express the loss of something. For example: "We lost that game because of our poor defense." or "We lost that opportunity due to lack of preparation."
What are some alternatives to saying "we lost that"?
Alternatives to "we lost that" include phrases such as "we forfeited that", "we missed out on that", or "we failed to secure that", depending on the specific context of the loss.
Is "we lost that" grammatically correct?
Yes, "we lost that" is grammatically correct. The subject "we" is followed by the past tense verb "lost" and the object "that". It follows standard English sentence structure.
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Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
89%
Authority and reliability
4.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested