Loose vs. Lose – What’s the Gist?
A very common writing error is using the word loose when the word lose is actually wanted instead.
- Loose is an adjective reflecting freedom of movement.
- Lose is a verb that means loss.
Paying close attention to the pronunciation of each word may also help in choosing the one you really want.
How to Use Loose in a Sentence
Loose definition: As mentioned, loose is an adjective that means not securely fastened; free from restraint; not compact in structure; or being deficient of care; or lacking possession.
For example:
- The loose hinges on the barn door allowed the thieves easy access. (Adjective)
- He fell into the creek after slipping on the loose stones. (Adjective)
- During the football game, the powerful tackle made for a loose ball. (Adjective)
Loose can act as a verb, which means to release; or untie; or to make less rigid.
For example:
- The guard dogs were loosed to patrol the grounds. (Past Tense Verb)
- The mother loosened the cinch on the toddler’s hat. (Past Tense Verb)
- The young driver loosened his grip on the steering wheel after the lesson. (Past Tense Verb)
Lose is pronounced luce. Notice the ending s sound as in the word hiss.
How to Use Lose in a Sentence
Lose definition: The word lose acts as a verb, meaning to bring destruction; or something that becomes missing; or to suffer deprivation; or to waste; or to fail to keep in sight; or to get rid of.
For example:
- By working long hours and showing uninterest, the business executive lost his friends and family. (Past Tense Verb)
- He will lose votes if the campaign promises are broken. (Future Tense Verb)
- Before bathing suit season, she wanted to lose ten pounds. (Infinitive)
Loose is pronounced looze. Notice the ending z sound as in the word zoo.
Outside Examples of Loose vs. Lose
- A veterinary clinic called police at 3:55 p.m. March 31 to report that it was holding a beagle someone had found roaming loose. –The Plain Dealer
- Wind gusts of 40 to 45 mph are likely both tomorrow and Friday. While this should generally be below damaging level, some small branches and the like may wiggle loose. –The Washington Post
- “An epidemic doesn’t let you proceed by trial and error,” he said. “Every day you lose, the contagion gets worse.” –The Wall Street Journal
- “Once I start on something, I get totally consumed by it and lose all sense of time, and while that’s usually a problem, in this situation it’s quite the opposite.” –The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Phrases That Use Loose and Lose
There are many idioms and phrases that use the word loose or lose, including:
All hell broke loose: Where something or someone causes a situation to go completely out of control and becomes inflamed.
- After the woman asked her roommate to leave, all hell broke loose when he wouldn’t.
Playing fast and loose: Someone behaving in an untrustworthy and depraved way.
- The young professional was playing fast and loose with the company’s ledgers.
Lose ground: During a conflict or competition, someone loses the advantage which causes retreat.
- The student lost ground in her education when school was cancelled due to the virus.
Lose it: An informal expression that one has released control of his strong emotions and feelings.
- Due to hunger and fatigue, the young child lost it when his mother did not buy him a toy.
How to Remember These Words
A mnemonic device is likely needed here because of the common confusion between these two words.
The double letter o in the adjective loose suggests that there is more room in the word, just as there is more room in a loose knot or more room for loosed dogs to roam. On the contrary, when you lose something, you are missing it. The word lose has only one letter o.
Another way to think of it is that when you lose weight, your clothes are too loose.
Article Summary
Is loose or lose correct? Knowing the pronunciation will help you find the correct word choice.
Loose has an s sound, and lose has a z sound. Furthermore, the word function in a sentence will help. If you are looking for an adjective, pick loose. If you are looking for a verb, choose lose.
- Loose is an adjective describing the idea of no or little restriction.
- Lose is a verb meaning loss or deprivation.