Mistakes To Avoid: "Lose Their Life (Lives)"

English grammar can be tricky, and even the most seasoned writers make mistakes from time to time. One common mistake that often goes unnoticed is the incorrect usage of the phrase "lose their life (lives)".

The Correct Usage

In this phrase, the correct word to use is "lives" instead of "life".

Incorrect: He lost his life in the accident.

Correct: He lost his life in the accident.

Incorrect: Thousands of people lost their life during the war.

Correct: Thousands of people lost their lives during the war.

The word "lives" is the plural form of "life" and should be used when referring to multiple people or instances. "Life" is the singular form and should be used when referring to just one person or instance.

An easy way to remember this rule is to think of it in terms of quantity. If there is more than one life being affected, use "lives". If it's just one life, use "life".

Common Errors

Here are some common errors people make when using this phrase:

• Incorrect: The earthquake caused many people to lose their life.
• Incorrect: The accident resulted in several lives being lost.

These errors can easily be corrected by using the correct plural form "lives" instead of "life".

Use Linguix Grammar Checker

Improving your grammar skills is essential for effective writing. To avoid common mistakes like using the incorrect form of "lose their life (lives)", you can rely on the Linguix Grammar Checker. This handy tool detects and corrects grammar errors, ensuring that your writing is clear, precise, and error-free.