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“Losses” vs. “Loses”: How to Choose the Right Word

Updated on June 10, 2024Commonly Confused Words

What’s the difference between losses and loses?

Understanding the difference between losses and loses is crucial for clear and effective communication. Losses is a noun that refers to the instances of losing something or someone, commonly used in contexts such as financial losses or personal losses. On the other hand, loses is a verb that describes the act of losing. Knowing when to use losses vs. loses depends on whether you’re describing an event or the action of losing. For example, “The company reported significant losses this quarter,” and “He loses his keys frequently.”

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How do you use losses in a sentence?

When to use losses in a sentence revolves around situations where the focus is on the outcome of losing. Losses typically appears in discussions about financial results, competitive scenarios, or personal experiences.

Examples of losses in a sentence

  • The company suffered heavy losses due to the economic downturn.
  • Despite their losses, the team remained optimistic about the future.
  • Her losses in the stock market were substantial, but she learned valuable lessons.

How do you use loses in a sentence?

When to use loses in a sentence pertains to describing the action of misplacing or being defeated. Loses is a dynamic verb that can be applied in various contexts where the act of losing is happening.

Examples of loses in a sentence

  • He often loses his glasses and spends hours looking for them.
  • The team loses every time they play against their rivals.
  • If she loses the game, she’ll be out of the tournament.

Losses vs. loses: Definition, parts of speech, and pronunciation

Losses

  • Part of Speech: Noun
  • Definition: Plural form of loss; instances of losing.
  • Example: “The company faced many losses during the crisis.”
  • Pronunciation: /ˈlɒsɪz/

Loses

  • Part of Speech: Verb
  • Definition: Third person singular form of ‘lose’; the act of being defeated or misplacing something.
  • Example: “He loses his temper easily.”
  • Pronunciation: /ˈluːzɪz/

Losses vs. loses in a nutshell

To sum up, losses and loses are two distinct terms with different uses. Losses is a noun that refers to instances of losing, while loses is a verb that describes the act of losing. Knowing when to use each term correctly can enhance your writing and communication skills. For further clarity on commonly confused words, check out this Commonly Confused Words guide. Additionally, understanding homophones like these can be made easier with resources such as What Are Homophones?.

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