what was lost

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "what was lost" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to something that has been lost in the past, often in a reflective or nostalgic context. Example: "In the end, we must come to terms with what was lost during the years of conflict."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

What was lost?

The New York Times

"What was lost?" she asks.

The New York Times - Arts

Who knows what was lost?

The New Yorker

What was lost was his hope.

The New York Times

You see what was lost".

The New York Times

However, they don't recover what was lost.

The New York Times

Like a return of what was lost.

The Guardian - Sport

What was lost won't be entirely recovered.

The New York Times - Books

What was lost in this strategy?

The New York Times

I tell them what was lost will be found.

The New Yorker

What was lost? A. The main building was lost.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "what was lost" to reflect on past events, changes, or sacrifices, providing context for current situations or decisions.

Common error

Refrain from using "what was lost" in overly simple sentences where more descriptive language could add depth and clarity. For example, instead of saying "What was lost was time", try "The irretrievable loss was the precious time we could have spent together".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "what was lost" functions as a noun clause, often serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It refers to something that existed in the past but is no longer present. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage and the numerous examples highlight its versatility in expressing loss, absence, or change.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Academia

10%

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "what was lost" functions as a noun clause to reflect on something no longer available, with Ludwig AI confirming its correct and frequent usage. It carries a neutral tone, suitable for various contexts from news reports to academic discussions. Predominantly found in News & Media, the phrase can also be used to discuss scientific and formal concepts. To enhance your writing, avoid using it in overly simplistic sentences and consider more descriptive language when appropriate. To be more specific, you could consider alternative phrases such as "that which is gone" or "the lost". These considerations will ensure clarity and depth in your expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the lost

A concise and direct way to refer to things or people that are no longer present.

that which is gone

Focuses on the state of being gone, emphasizing absence.

what slipped away

Implies a gradual or subtle loss, often without immediate recognition.

what is irretrievable

Highlights the impossibility of recovering something.

what's unrecoverable

Similar to "irretrievable" but slightly more conversational.

what has vanished

Suggests a complete and often mysterious disappearance.

what we have forfeited

Emphasizes the act of giving up or losing something, often due to a decision or circumstance.

what we've relinquished

Highlights the voluntary aspect of giving something up or losing it.

the bygone

A more poetic and general term for things that are in the past and no longer exist.

the departed

Often used to describe people who have died, but can be applied more broadly.

FAQs

How can I use "what was lost" in a sentence?

You can use "what was lost" to refer to something that is no longer available or present. For example: "The report detailed "what was lost" during the fire".

What are some alternatives to "what was lost"?

Alternatives include "that which is gone", "what is irretrievable", or "the lost", depending on the specific context.

Is it grammatically correct to use "what was lost"?

Yes, "what was lost" is grammatically correct and functions as a noun clause. It is commonly used in written and spoken English.

What is the difference between "what was lost" and "what has been lost"?

"What was lost" typically refers to a specific event or period in the past, while "what has been lost" has a broader scope and may refer to something lost over a longer period or with ongoing consequences.