we might lose

USAGE SUMMARY

"we might lose" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to suggest the possibility of a negative outcome. For example, "If we don't take any preventative measures, we might lose our chance of success."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

We might lose it".

The New York Times

There was "fear that we might lose.

The New Yorker

Deep down, we've been afraid we might lose you.

Independent

(Applause). We don't know when we might lose a job.

The Washington Post

But if I cancel it we might lose the election.

The Guardian - Opinion

"He felt we might lose too many friends," MacKenzie replied.

The Guardian

"We might lose something we put a lot of money into".

The New York Times

"We might lose our shirt," he said a month before the Olympics began.

The New York Times

We moved quickly when we felt there was a possibility that we might lose Steve.

Independent

"If we allow the issue to linger we might lose momentum," she said on Friday.

The Guardian

Rather afraid we might lose, because of the whole thing with everyone being crap except me.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "we might lose" to express a possibility, but consider the context. If the probability is higher, "we will likely lose" might be more appropriate. If the probability is lower, use "we could lose" or "there's a chance we might lose".

Common error

Avoid using "we might lose" when the loss is already certain. Instead, use stronger language like "we will lose" or "we are going to lose". "We might lose" suggests uncertainty, which is misleading if the outcome is already determined.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we might lose" functions as a statement of possibility. It uses the modal verb 'might' to express uncertainty about a future outcome. Ludwig AI confirms it is correct and usable. For example, "If we don't improve our strategy, we might lose the game."

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Academia

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

10%

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "we might lose" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase for expressing a potential negative outcome. As Ludwig AI confirms, it’s perfectly acceptable in written English and suggests uncertainty rather than certainty. Its neutral register makes it suitable for diverse contexts, from news reports to academic discussions. When using the phrase, consider the level of certainty you want to convey, and avoid it when the loss is already determined. Alternatives like "we risk losing" or "we could be defeated" offer nuanced ways to express similar ideas, offering alternatives to precisely convey the intended message.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we risk losing

Highlights the element of risk involved in potentially losing something.

we could be defeated

Changes the modality from 'might' to 'could', implying a slightly higher probability of defeat.

we may be defeated

Uses 'may' instead of 'might', indicating a similar level of possibility.

it's possible we'll be defeated

Rephrases the sentence to begin with 'it's possible', softening the directness.

we are in danger of losing

Emphasizes the current state of being at risk of losing something.

there's a chance we'll be defeated

Uses the idiomatic expression 'there's a chance' to convey the possibility of defeat.

we face the possibility of defeat

Focuses on the abstract concept of the 'possibility of defeat' rather than a direct statement.

our defeat is a possibility

Nominalizes the phrase, making 'defeat' the subject.

we stand to forfeit

Implies a loss due to a rule or consequence, adding a formal tone.

we are liable to lose

Suggests a legal or contractual obligation that makes losing likely.

FAQs

How can I use "we might lose" in a sentence?

Use "we might lose" to express a possibility of a negative outcome. For example, "If we don't improve our strategy, "we might lose" the game".

What are some alternatives to "we might lose"?

You can use alternatives such as "we could be defeated", "we risk losing", or "we stand to forfeit" depending on the context.

Is "we might lose" grammatically correct?

Yes, "we might lose" is grammatically correct. It follows the standard structure of a subject ("we"), a modal verb ("might"), and a verb ("lose").

What is the level of certainty expressed by "we might lose"?

"We might lose" expresses a possibility, not a certainty. It indicates that there is a chance of losing, but it is not a guaranteed outcome. The level of certainty is lower than phrases like "we will lose" or "we are going to lose".