Last week I detailed my recent affinity for precise language posts on this blog. I then continued with another example in that series by discussing the difference between observance and observation. That train feels really good to me, so I’m staying on that track with another precise language example. Today I’m going to discuss the difference between loose and lose.
Whereas my previous examples compared one or more words which were all the same parts of speech, this time is different. Loose is an adjective which means not attached or secured. Lose is a conjugation of the verb to lose which means to cease to have or to become unable to find. While the two words appear similar, the meanings differ considerably.
Consider the example sentence in the cropped graphic at left. The writer of this sentence correctly distinguishes between loose and lose. And distinguishing between these two words is actually easier than it is for the examples I’ve been sharing in previous posts (not that those were especially difficult). If you need to use the adjective, use the extra o and have loose. If you need to use the verb, drop the extra o and have lose. You can’t lose when you drop the extra o for the verb.
To the less effective writer, lose and loose may seem identical. More effective writers will recognize and respect the important differences.
Make sure that your writing recognizes such subtle differences in language. More precise language makes for more effective writing, and that better communicates the image of yourself and your brands that you want to convey to your audience.
Whereas my previous examples compared one or more words which were all the same parts of speech, this time is different. Loose is an adjective which means not attached or secured. Lose is a conjugation of the verb to lose which means to cease to have or to become unable to find. While the two words appear similar, the meanings differ considerably.
Consider the example sentence in the cropped graphic at left. The writer of this sentence correctly distinguishes between loose and lose. And distinguishing between these two words is actually easier than it is for the examples I’ve been sharing in previous posts (not that those were especially difficult). If you need to use the adjective, use the extra o and have loose. If you need to use the verb, drop the extra o and have lose. You can’t lose when you drop the extra o for the verb.
To the less effective writer, lose and loose may seem identical. More effective writers will recognize and respect the important differences.
Make sure that your writing recognizes such subtle differences in language. More precise language makes for more effective writing, and that better communicates the image of yourself and your brands that you want to convey to your audience.
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