Loose or Lose – Which Is Correct?

The words loose or lose are commonly confused, but learning which is correct will help you write stronger.

The words loose and lose have similar spelling, but they are not actually synonyms or homophones. They have different pronunciations and different parts of speech. When you get loose vs. lose mixed up, you look like a poor writer of the English language.

Yet this is also one of the more common mistakes in English writing. So before you write bout that loose tooth or lose tooth, make sure you know which word to use.

Should You Use Loose Or Lose? Here’s What You Need To Know

So should you be using loose or lose when talking about teeth? Is someone who ends in last place a loser or a looser? The definitions of these words can help you keep them straight.

Definition of Loose as a Noun

The word loose rhymes with the word goose. It is an adjective, which means it describes pronouns and nouns. 

According to the Merriam-Webster Dictionary, loose means “not rigidly fastened or securely attached” or “not tight-fighting.” it can also mean “lacking in restraint or power of restraint” or “not dense, close or compact in structure or arrangement.”

Though there are many specific definitions, the key is that the word loose means to have the freedom to move or to be free from restraint. Here are some example sentences:

• After the weight loss, her loose clothes became a problem.
• The loose bolt made the car dangerous to drive.
• Please check for loose seatbelts before launching the roller coaster.

Definition of Loose as a Verb

Loose can also be a verb that means “to free from restraint” or “to make loose.” Here are some examples of this verb form:

• Loosen the strap and then step out of the harness.
• She was loosing the other prisoners’ binds before making her own escape.
• He loosed his tie and got comfortable on the couch after a long day at the office.

Common Phrases that Use Loose

Several common phrases are used in English that have the word loose as part of them. Some of these include:

• Loose ends
• Loose cannon
• Loose change
• Loose tooth
• Loose lips

For each of these, the correct word is loose.

Loose as an Adverb

Finally, loose has another use as an adverb. This is a rare use but still correct. When used in this way, the word means “in a loose manner.

Here are some example sentences:

• They played loose with the rules until the cops came to call. 
• Her loose-flowing hair was a distraction.

Definition of Lose

The word lose is always a verb and it means “to miss from one’s position” or “to suffer loss or deprivation”. When you misplace something, you lose it.

The word lose is pronounced with a z sound, similar to the word snooze. Some examples of the word used in a sentence include:

• Do not lose your car keys again.
• If you lose your first love, you may find happiness again, but it may take some time.
• The team will lose the game if they do not step up to the plate.

This is an irregular verb that is conjugated as follows:

• Lose
• Losing
• Lost
• Have lost

How to Choose the Right Word 

So how can you choose the right word between loose and lose? If the word is an adjective or adverb, the correct spelling is always loose.

If the word is a verb, you have to think a little more closely. If it means to untie or unbind, you would use loose. If it means to misplace or not win, you would use lose. 

A Final Word on Loose or Lose

Nothing can bring out the “grammar police” quite as quickly as adding an o to the word when you actually mean lose. To avoid embarrassment and show your grammar skills, make sure you know how to use them correctly.

Remember, lose has “lost” the extra o. Thus, the meaning of the word lose is to misplace something. It can also mean the opposite of winning.

Otherwise, the spelling is loose. Keeping the two words straight really is that simple.

FAQs on Loose or Lose