Words That Cause Confusion - Lose, Loose, Loss - POMA <25

Posted: October 22, 2014

Often we run into words that are so similar it's hard to know which one to use. Lose, loose and loss is an example of this situation, and is often misused. Learn the meanings of these three words, and when to use each one. Maeve Maddox, with Daily Writing Tips, guides us in the proper usage of lose, loose and loss.

Confused Words #3: Lose, Loose, Loss

Written errors in the use of lose, loose, and loss are common. One error is to write the adjective loose (rhymes with moose) as if it were the verb lose (rhymes with booze). Incorrect: Don’t loose touch when people leave for a new position. Correct : Don’t lose touch when people leave for a new position. In the expression “to lose touch,” lose is a verb with the meaning, “to fail to maintain.” Incorrect: It can be painful to loose a loved one. Correct : It can be painful to lose a loved one. In this context, the verb lose means, “to be deprived of someone dear by death or other separation.” Incorrect: She says I’m lazy because I can’t loose weight. Correct : She says I’m lazy because I can’t lose weight. Click here to read the entire article Confused Words #3: Lose, Loose, Loss, at Daily Writing Tips.