whose lives were lost

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'whose lives were lost' is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to people who have died or been killed, usually in a tragic context. For example: "The victims of the disaster, whose lives were lost, will be remembered."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

20 human-written examples

I got to see the faces of people, the pictures of people whose lives were lost.

The New York Times

It is not just Ayres, but the stories of 53 people whose lives were lost saving others that get an airing here in Lone Twin's piece.

The Guardian

For me, it's through running, running every single day, that I grieve for those whose lives were lost and for those who were injured on Boylston Street.

The New Yorker

And Americans -- listen, I was standing up there at the Pentagon today and I saw the tears of the families whose lives were lost in the Pentagon.

The New York Times

In her San Francisco studio, artist Emily Prince quietly continues a work-in-progress, her vast memorial to U.S. troops whose lives were lost in Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom.

University of California, Berkeley

Fleischer brushed off the thrust of those criticisms, saying his career focused on policy and he privately pursues charitable ways to honor those whose lives were lost in war.

The Washington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

40 human-written examples

From juvenile justice to probation reforms to an ambitious initiative aimed at black men, Mr. Bloomberg has tried to short-circuit the depressing number of those whose lives are lost to the criminal justice system.

The New York Times

But is the state powerless to compensate, with pensions or otherwise, those who are disabled, or the dependents of those whose lives are lost, in the industrial occupations that are so necessary to develop the resources and add to the wealth and prosperity of the state?

Cornell University

But they will make a life-and-death difference for the lives of millions of people, children in particular, whose lives are lost or bodies and minds are stunted because they do not have enough nutritious foods to eat.

Huffington Post

These images of people whose lives are lost to gun violence allow us to normalize the gunshot-wound epidemic without fully reflecting on the moral implications of our society's dalliance with instruments created to maim and kill.

Huffington Post

There, 158 lives were lost.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "whose lives were lost", ensure the context clearly indicates the event or cause leading to the loss of life. This provides clarity and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "whose lives were lost" in a way that obscures the responsible party or cause of death. Instead, actively state the cause to maintain transparency and accountability.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "whose lives were lost" functions as a relative clause, modifying a noun phrase (e.g., "victims", "families", "people"). It adds descriptive information about the individuals affected by a specific event or tragedy. Ludwig confirms this usage.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "whose lives were lost" is a commonly used phrase that functions as a relative clause to describe individuals who have died, especially in tragic circumstances. According to Ludwig, it is grammatically correct and appropriate for various contexts, including news, academic writing, and formal speeches. The phrase conveys sorrow and remembrance, and its usage tends to be neutral to formal. While alternatives exist, such as "people who perished" or "individuals who died", the choice depends on the specific nuance and desired emphasis. When using this phrase, clarity and avoiding ambiguity are crucial for effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

those who suffered loss of life

More formal and emphasizes the loss experienced.

people who perished

Focuses on the act of dying, omitting the concept of loss.

fatalities

A direct synonym referring to deaths caused by an event or accident.

individuals who died

A more direct and neutral way of stating that people have died.

those who sacrificed their lives

Emphasizes the act of sacrifice, often implying a noble cause.

victims of fatal incidents

Highlights that the deaths were caused by specific incidents.

casualties

Focuses on deaths resulting from conflict or disaster.

those whose existence ended

A more philosophical way to describe death.

people who are no longer with us

Euphemistic and emphasizes absence.

those who departed

A gentler, more spiritual way to describe death.

FAQs

How can I use "whose lives were lost" in a sentence?

You can use "whose lives were lost" to refer to people who have died, often in a tragic context. For example: "The memorial honored the victims "whose lives were lost" in the attack".

What are some alternatives to "whose lives were lost"?

Alternatives include "people who perished", "individuals who died", or "those who sacrificed their lives", depending on the specific context.

Is there a difference between saying "whose lives were lost" and "who lost their lives"?

"Whose lives were lost" emphasizes the loss experienced by others, while "who lost their lives" focuses on the individuals and their fate. The choice depends on the desired emphasis.

When is it appropriate to use "whose lives were lost" in writing?

It's appropriate to use "whose lives were lost" when you want to acknowledge and remember individuals who have died, especially in somber or commemorative contexts. Consider alternatives if a more neutral or direct tone is preferred.