Key Difference

• “Lose” (verb): Means to fail to keep, miss, or no longer have something.
• “Loose” (adjective): Describes something that is not tight, free, or detached.

1. “Lose” (Verb)

Meaning: “Lose” is used when something is no longer in your possession or when you fail at something.

Examples:

• “I hope I don’t lose my keys again.” (Misplacing keys)
• “The team might lose the game.” (Not winning)
• “He didn’t want to lose his chance at the promotion.” (Missing an opportunity)

Tip: Think of “lose” like “lost” (past tense), since they are related by the idea of missing or not having.

2. “Loose” (Adjective)

Meaning: “Loose” describes something that is not firmly fixed, free, or not fitting tightly.

Examples:

• “Her shoelaces are loose.” (Not tied tightly)
• “The dog got loose from its leash.” (Free)
• “This shirt feels loose on me.” (Not fitting tightly)

Tip: “Loose” rhymes with “moose,” emphasizing the long “oo” sound, making it easy to remember as something that isn’t tight or is free.

Common Mistakes and Tips:

• ❌ Incorrect: “Don’t loose your phone.”
  ✅ Correct: “Don’t lose your phone.”
• ❌ Incorrect: “My belt is lose.”
  ✅ Correct: “My belt is loose.”

Practice Time!

Fill in the blanks with “lose” or “loose”:

1. Please don’t _______ your focus during the presentation.
2. This bolt feels _______; we need to tighten it.
3. I’m afraid I might _______ the race if I don’t practice.
4. He prefers wearing _______ clothing in summer.

Answers:

1. lose
2. loose
3. lose
4. loose