Losses vs. Loses: What's the Difference?
Understanding the difference between losses and loses can clarify writing and communication. Losses refers to the plural form of 'loss,' implying multiple instances of failing to win, retain, or sustain something. Conversely, loses is the third-person singular present tense form of the verb 'lose,' which means to be deprived of or cease to have something. These distinct terms serve different grammatical functions.
How do you use the word losses in a sentence?
You use losses when referring to multiple instances where something was not won or kept. This term typically applies in financial or competitive contexts where there can be more than one loss. It is always used as a noun in the plural form, indicating that there is more than one loss involved.
Examples of losses in a sentence
- The company reported significant financial losses this quarter.
- The team has suffered a few losses and needs to rethink their strategy.
- She reminisced about the losses in her life and how they shaped her.
How do you use the word loses in a sentence?
The word loses is used to indicate that someone or something is failing to retain possession or is being deprived of something, often as it happens in the present moment. It is conjugated specifically for third-person singular subjects such as 'he,' 'she,' or 'it.'
Examples of loses in a sentence
- He loses his keys almost every day.
- She often loses track of time when she's reading a good book.
- If the system loses power, we could face a major data loss.
Losses and loses definition, parts of speech, and pronunciation
Losses definition:
Losses are the plural of 'loss,' indicating multiple instances where someone or something has failed to win, or has been deprived of possession or control.
Losses parts of speech:
Losses pronunciation:
Pronounced as ˈlɔsɪz or ˈlɒsɪz, with the emphasis on the first syllable and a z sound at the end.
Loses definition:
Loses is the third-person singular present tense of the verb 'lose,' meaning to be deprived of or to fail to keep possession of something.
Loses parts of speech:
Loses pronunciation:
Pronounced as ˈluːzɪz, with the emphasis on the first syllable, ending with a z sound.
Losses are the plural of 'loss,' indicating multiple instances where someone or something has failed to win, or has been deprived of possession or control.
Losses parts of speech:
- Noun (plural): The company's quarterly report showed increased losses due to market volatility.
Losses pronunciation:
Pronounced as ˈlɔsɪz or ˈlɒsɪz, with the emphasis on the first syllable and a z sound at the end.
Loses definition:
Loses is the third-person singular present tense of the verb 'lose,' meaning to be deprived of or to fail to keep possession of something.
Loses parts of speech:
- Verb (third-person singular present): He loses patience quickly in a traffic jam.
Loses pronunciation:
Pronounced as ˈluːzɪz, with the emphasis on the first syllable, ending with a z sound.
Losses vs. loses in a nutshell
To encapsulate the distinction: losses is the term used when discussing multiple instances of not winning or retaining something, and it always serves as a noun. On the other hand, loses is used when a single entity in the third person fails to retain something in the present tense and functions as a verb. Recognizing this essential grammatical difference can help avoid confusion and enhance the clarity of your expression.
Get AI Writing Assistance Wherever You Type
Make sure your vocabulary is on point and every punctuation mark is in the right place, no matter where you’re working. Grammarly works across more than 500,000 websites and apps so you can improve your writing without copying, pasting, or breaking focused.
More Commonly Confused Words
Interest piqued? Pore (not pour) over other commonly confused words to help your writing reach peak (not peek) performance.