Lose vs Loss
Lose and loss are English words that are very confusing for those who are trying to learn the language. This is because they appear to be similar and also have somewhat related meanings. To compound the misery of the students, there are also loose and lost that belonging to the group of related words. This article takes a closer look at lose and loss to come up with their differences in a bid to enable readers to choose the right word while writing or speaking English.
Lose
Lose is a verb that is used in the present tense and refers to the act of getting rid of something deliberately or accidentally. The reason why people confuse with lose is because of the fact that it is pronounced as LOOZ that rhymes well with loose. Now loose as we all know is an adjective and refers to a condition where something is free and not fixed or tied up as in loose shoes, loose clothes, and so on. Lose has to be used as a verb always and its tense changes to lost when talking in the past tense. Take a look at the following sentences to understand the meaning and use of lose in English language.
• Keep your wallet carefully or you will lose it.
• India may lose the match against Pakistan on account of injury to its key players.
• You must lose some of your weight you are looking obese.
• I dread slot machines as I lose money every time I play on them.
Loss
Loss is a noun that indicates the event or situation of detriment, deprivation, or defeat and failure. One has to bear the loss of an object or a human being though there is also loss of reputation or prestige. This is why we talk in terms of loss of life because of drunk driving and loss of profit when doing business. Death always signifies loss as we mourn the going away of an individual from our midst for always.
Loss is mostly used in financial context, and we talk about profit and loss accounts of companies and the loss of investors at the share markets. Gain or profit is the antonyms of loss, so you are at a loss when you are not gaining. Any act or instance that signifies deprivation rather than profit is a loss. Take a look at the following sentences to understand how to use loss in English language.
• It was a shocking loss for the fans of the team.
• Experts are calculating the loss to the exchequer because of this scam.
• I am sorry for your loss (of grandparent).
• His financial loss because of fire was covered by the insurance amount.
• Weight loss is not an easy endeavor.
Lose vs Loss
• Loss is a noun whereas lose is a verb.
• Lose creates confusion because of its pronunciation that is LOOZ.
• Lose is a verb in the present tense and its past tense is lost.
• Lose is an act; loss is an instance.
• You lose something while you suffer the loss.