Good morning! Not long ago, I made a careless mistake in the subject line of one of my Editor’s Corner articles. I used the word loose instead of lose. Of course, I did have the article edited, but I typed the subject line just before sending it out, and I obviously lost control of my fingers (and my senses).
A number of you caught the mistake (which makes me proud and a little embarrassed). So, to atone for my grammar sin, I’m writing today’s article on the often confused pair of words: loose and lose.
Loose (rhymes with moose) is an adjective meaning not rigidly fastened or securely attached.
Example:
· His pockets were full of loose change.
Lose (rhymes with shoes) is a verb meaning to part with in an unforeseen or accidental manner or to become deprived of or lacking in.
Examples:
· You could lose your savings if you make a poor investment.
· A blow to the head can cause you to lose your memory.
Donna Bradley Burcher | Senior Technical Editor | Symitar®
8985 Balboa Ave. | San Diego, CA 92123 | Ph. 619.278.0432 | Ext: 765432
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