lose
verbto have something and then not know where it is
Lose = you can't find it: lose your wallet.
Lose vs miss
Many languages use one word for both. English splits them when you travel: you miss a train, and you lose your keys. (Both verbs have other uses, like miss a friend.)
2 wordsaudio · quiz
Watch the 30-second Short"I Lost the Train" Doesn't Mean What You Think 🚆 | Word Mix-ups (B1–B2)PlayQuick answer
Miss the train: you were too late and it left without you. Lose your keys: you can't find them.
miss
verbto be too late for a train, bus or flight, so it leaves without you
Miss = it left without you: miss the bus.
The difference at a glance
| Word | Type | Means | Example | Common mistake |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| lose | verb | to have something and then not know where it is | Keep your ticket safe. Don't lose it before we get to the gate. | |
| miss | verb | to be too late for a train, bus or flight, so it leaves without you | Hurry up or we'll miss the train. |
See each one in a sentence
verb
lose
Examples
Keep your ticket safe. Don't lose it before we get to the gate.
I always lose my keys in this bag.
Common mistake
Not: I think I missed my wallet on the train.
Say: I think I lost my wallet on the train.
You had it and now you can't find it, so use lose.
verb
miss
Examples
Hurry up or we'll miss the train.
I missed my flight and had to wait six hours for the next one.
Common mistake
Not: Sorry I'm late! I lost the train.
Say: Sorry I'm late! I missed the train.
Nobody is looking for the train. It left without you, so use miss.
Pick the right word
Fill the gap
Read the sentence, then choose the word that fits.
Watch the Short
"I Lost the Train" Doesn't Mean What You Think 🚆 | Word Mix-ups (B1–B2)
Now use them yourself
Write or say two sentences, one with each word, in a real conversation.