Lose vs Loose

Definitions and Basic Usage

What Does "Lose" Mean?

"Lose" means to misplace something or fail to win. Here are some examples:

• "I don't want to lose my keys."
• "They might lose the game."
• "He tends to lose track of time."

What Does "Loose" Mean?

"Loose" means not tight or free. Here are some examples:

• "The dog is running loose in the yard."
• "Her shoelaces are loose."
• "The screw was loose."

Common Mistakes

Typical Errors with "Lose" and "Loose"

Many people mix up "lose" and "loose." For example:

• Incorrect: "Don't loose your phone."
• Correct: "Don't lose your phone."

Tips to Remember the Difference

To help differentiate:

• "Lose" has one 'o' and is related to "lost."
• "Loose" has two 'o's and means not tight.

Practical Exercises and Practice Sentences

Fill-in-the-Blank Exercises

• "Did you _____ the match?"
• "The horse broke _____ from the stable."

Correcting Mistakes in Sample Sentences

• Incorrect: "He hates to loose money."
• Correct: "He hates to lose money."

Advanced Usage and Exceptions

Nuances and Contexts

Sometimes "lose" and "loose" have more nuanced meanings. For example:

• "Loose cannon" (unpredictable person)
• "Lose ground" (fall behind)

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