What context can I use each word in?

Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!

lose

Example

I always lose at chess against my brother. [lose: verb]

Example

I can't find my keys, I think I lost them. [lost: past tense]

Example

I need to lose some weight for health reasons. [lose: verb]

miss

Example

I miss my family when I'm away from home. [miss: verb]

Example

The baseball player missed the ball and struck out. [missed: past tense]

Example

I can't believe I missed the concert last night. [missed: past participle]

Definitions of lose and miss

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Key differences and similarities of lose and miss

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Good things to know

Which word is more common?

Lose is more commonly used than miss in everyday language. Lose is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while miss is less common and refers to personal relationships or events.

What’s the difference in the tone of formality between lose and miss?

Both lose and miss are commonly used in informal and formal contexts, but lose may be more appropriate in professional or academic settings due to its versatility.