# It's "lose", not "loose" **URL:** \ **Category:** The BBQ Pit\ **Created:** [November 27, 2000, 10:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/its-lose-not-loose/42930 "2000-11-27T22:53:23Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![yosemite](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/y/3ab097/32.png) [@yosemite](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/yosemite)\ **Post date:** [November 27, 2000, 10:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/its-lose-not-loose/42930/1 "2000-11-27T22:53:23Z")
I know, this has been brought up before. But I just _had_ to create this thread. I was on the verge of correcting an esteemed and intelligent Doper over in a Great Debates thread over this “loose” thing. And I thought, that would be rude, and would ruin the flow of the debate. So, I promised myself I’d just post my little rant here, and get it out of my system. When someone has lost something, they do not “loose” it, they _“lose”_ it. **One “O”.** Also, it is “losing”, not “loosing”. As in - “I am losing my patience with people spelling “lose” incorrectly”. And - “Here, let me loose that knot a bit there.” And, “I saw him loosing the knot, and offered to help.” No, I am no grammar queen. I spell things incorrectly all the time. And my grammar is often lacking. But certain things just drive me nuts. (Don’t get me started on apostrophes!) Please, feel free to point out bad spelling and grammar trends that are making your anal-rententive soul cringe! This is the place for it! Feel free to correct my spelling and grammar. I won’t mind, as long as you are polite about it. ---
**Author:** ![yosemite](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/y/3ab097/32.png) [@yosemite](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/yosemite)\ **Post date:** [November 27, 2000, 10:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/its-lose-not-loose/42930/2 "2000-11-27T22:55:44Z")
The subject title was supposed to read "It’s “lose”, not “loose”. I screwed it up. Oh dear. This is not getting off to a good start. ---
**Author:** ![ShelliBean](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/f9ae1b/32.png) [@ShelliBean](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ShelliBean)\ **Post date:** [November 27, 2000, 10:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/its-lose-not-loose/42930/3 "2000-11-27T22:59:54Z")
I do have one question for you? Would the proper word be “loosen” in a couple of your examples? 1. “…loosen that knot…” 2. “…loosening that knot…” I have not ever used the word loose as a verb, only as an adjective. Regional thing, perhaps? ---
**Author:** ![yosemite](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/y/3ab097/32.png) [@yosemite](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/yosemite)\ **Post date:** [November 27, 2000, 11:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/its-lose-not-loose/42930/4 "2000-11-27T23:15:23Z")
I’ll bet you’re right, ellycat! Maybe it is a regional thing, too, though, because I certainly hear people say “let me loose that” a lot. But “loosening” does sound better. ---
**Author:** ![Jodi](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/7feea3/32.png) [@Jodi](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jodi)\ **Post date:** [November 27, 2000, 11:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/its-lose-not-loose/42930/5 "2000-11-27T23:24:17Z")
I wondered the same thing, because “loosen” sounds better, as in “let me loosen that knot.” But why that tense (is it past perfect?) in that case? We don’t say “let me taken that bag” or “let me given this back.” So wouldn’t “loose” be more correct here, even though “loosen” sounds better? ---
**Author:** ![Celyn](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/9dc877/32.png) [@Celyn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Celyn)\ **Post date:** [November 27, 2000, 11:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/its-lose-not-loose/42930/6 "2000-11-27T23:49:51Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by Jodi \* > \*\*But why that tense (is it past perfect?) in that case? We don’t say “let me taken that bag” or “let me given this back.” \*\* Yes, it does sound like a past tense, but on the other hand, one also “tightens” a knot. And it is possible to “heighten” things too, although perhaps more rarely used. Damn, I bet there is a clear explanation for these things, but I haven’t formally studied grammar. I just joined in for the pedantic rant, really.🙂 I’m glad someone has drawn attention to “loose” instead of “lose” as I thought I had better ignore it in case it is considered correct somewhere. ---
**Author:** ![Cantrip](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/9f8e36/32.png) [@Cantrip](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cantrip)\ **Post date:** [November 27, 2000, 11:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/its-lose-not-loose/42930/7 "2000-11-27T23:52:08Z")
From Merriam-Webster on line: > [@](#): > > Main Entry: [sup]2[/sup]loose > Function: verb > Inflected Form(s): loosed; loos·ing > Date: 13th century > transitive senses > 1 a : to let loose : RELEASE b : to free from restraint > 2 : to make loose : UNTIE \ > 3 : to cast loose : DETACH > 4 : to let fly : DISCHARGE > 5 : to make less rigid, tight, or strict : RELAX > intransitive senses : to let fly a missile (as an arrow) : FIRE > [@](#): > > Main Entry: loos·en > Pronunciation: 'lü-s&n > Function: verb > Inflected Form(s): loos·ened; loos·en·ing /'lüs-ni[ng], 'lü-s&n-i[ng]/ > Date: 14th century > transitive senses > 1 : to release from restraint > 2 : to make looser > 3 : to relieve (the bowels) of constipation > 4 : to cause or permit to become less strict – often used with up > intransitive senses : to become loose or looser Frankly, I had always heard and used “loosen”, but it appears (according to M-W) that both are correct. FWIW, **yosemitebabe** , I agree wholeheartedly. It’s like people saying “all of the sudden” instead of “all of a sudden” (and what the hell kind of word in “sudden”, anyway), or “supposably” instead of “supposedly” - lots of people just don’t care enough to get it right. ---
**Author:** ![Cantrip](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/9f8e36/32.png) [@Cantrip](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cantrip)\ **Post date:** [November 27, 2000, 11:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/its-lose-not-loose/42930/8 "2000-11-27T23:54:22Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by yosemitebabe \* > \*\*The subject title was supposed to read "It’s “lose”, not “loose”. I screwed it up. Oh dear. This is not getting off to a good start. \*\* Actually, it’s the title that got me to read the thread (although I suppose I would have read it anyway - I’m a sucker for pedantry ;)) - I thought it was some kind of Monty Python rant. 😃 ---
**Author:** ![John\_Corrado](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/a88e4f/32.png) [@John\_Corrado](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/John_Corrado)\ **Post date:** [November 28, 2000, 1:08am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/its-lose-not-loose/42930/9 "2000-11-28T01:08:57Z")
[Mod Hat: ON] Fixed the thread title, so that other people don’t come into this thread assuming it’s about the Monty Python “It’s” guy. [Mod Hat: OFF] Remember, folks- words in quotes in your thread title disappear when you use the Preview function. We highly endorse Previewing your posts and new threads, but if you’re using quotes in your title, remember to hit the BACK button on your browser to take you to the non-previewed version (and then do your corrections) before hitting submit. Thanks! John ---
**Author:** ![yosemite](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/y/3ab097/32.png) [@yosemite](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/yosemite)\ **Post date:** [November 28, 2000, 1:09am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/its-lose-not-loose/42930/10 "2000-11-28T01:09:49Z")
Thank you, John! Thankyou thankyou thankyou!!! ---
**Author:** ![OpalCat](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/o/8edcca/32.png) [@OpalCat](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/OpalCat)\ **Post date:** [November 28, 2000, 1:11am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/its-lose-not-loose/42930/11 "2000-11-28T01:11:09Z")
Heh… I figured it was a rant about its vs it’s grammar… turns out it really WAS a grammar rant, just a different one! And YES loose vs lose bugs the crap out of me. That’s why I wear “Oops I Crapped My Pants”! I’m wearing them, and I just did! ---
**Author:** ![iampunha](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/i/74df32/32.png) [@iampunha](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/iampunha)\ **Post date:** [November 28, 2000, 2:09am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/its-lose-not-loose/42930/12 "2000-11-28T02:09:58Z")
Opal, I think you wanted the TMI thread for that one. ---
**Author:** ![woodstockbirdybird](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/woodstockbirdybird/32/7905_2.png) [@woodstockbirdybird](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/woodstockbirdybird)\ **Post date:** [November 28, 2000, 2:12am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/its-lose-not-loose/42930/13 "2000-11-28T02:12:19Z")
You loosed me there for a while. ---
**Author:** ![OpalCat](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/o/8edcca/32.png) [@OpalCat](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/OpalCat)\ **Post date:** [November 28, 2000, 2:49am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/its-lose-not-loose/42930/14 "2000-11-28T02:49:10Z")
Sorry, it’s an SNL spoof commercial. ---
**Author:** ![absoul](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/bc8723/32.png) [@absoul](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/absoul)\ **Post date:** [November 28, 2000, 3:44am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/its-lose-not-loose/42930/15 "2000-11-28T03:44:23Z")
Ooohhhh… ::raises hand in air::: ::frantically waving:: Can I try!! Loosen Up! 😃 ---
**Author:** ![The\_Ryan](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/7feea3/32.png) [@The\_Ryan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/The_Ryan)\ **Post date:** [November 28, 2000, 3:51am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/its-lose-not-loose/42930/16 "2000-11-28T03:51:29Z")
Jodi > [@](#): > > We don’t say “let me taken that bag” or “let me given this back.” So wouldn’t “loose” be more correct here, even though “loosen” sounds better? The analogy doesn’t work. “Loose” is an adjective, while “bring” and “take” are not. Although it is strange that the “-en” is added to “loose” to go from adjective to verb, while with “take” it makes it go from verb to adjective. Hmmm. > [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by Celyn \* > Yes, it does sound like a past tense, but on the other hand, one also “tightens” a knot. And it is possible to “heighten” things too, although perhaps more rarely used. The past tense of loosen is loosened, not loosen or loose, the past tense tighten is tightened, not tighten or tight, and the past tense tense of heighten is heightened, not heighten or height (or even high). Geez, sounds like I writing some weird grammer poetry, doesn’t it? (BTW, while we’re on the subject, it’s “weird”, not “weird”.) ---
**Author:** ![Myrr21](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/e495f1/32.png) [@Myrr21](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Myrr21)\ **Post date:** [November 28, 2000, 4:25am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/its-lose-not-loose/42930/17 "2000-11-28T04:25:27Z")
> [@](#): > > (BTW, while we’re on the subject, it’s “weird”, not “weird”.) My, how weird it looks to see two weirdly similar spellings of “weird” contrasted… ---
**Author:** ![Zulema](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/z/db5fbb/32.png) [@Zulema](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Zulema)\ **Post date:** [November 28, 2000, 4:43am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/its-lose-not-loose/42930/18 "2000-11-28T04:43:54Z")
Well Yosemitebabe, since you asked; I hate it when people use “borrow” instead of “lend”. I’m sure it’s a regional thing. When we first moved to Wisconsin I couldn’t figure out what everyone was saying. My friend asked me if I could “borrow” something to her. Was she asking if I borrowed something and hadn’t yet returned it? Was I borrowing something? What the F??? ---
**Author:** ![yosemite](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/y/3ab097/32.png) [@yosemite](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/yosemite)\ **Post date:** [November 28, 2000, 5:09am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/its-lose-not-loose/42930/19 "2000-11-28T05:09:32Z")
SP2263, it _is_ regional - it must be. I’ve never heard that. How bizarre! I don’t blame you for finding it annoying. Yikes. ---
**Author:** ![Esprix](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/esprix/32/7899_2.png) [@Esprix](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Esprix)\ **Post date:** [November 28, 2000, 4:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/its-lose-not-loose/42930/20 "2000-11-28T16:13:17Z")
> [@](#): > > _Originally posted by **The Ryan** _ > > (BTW, while we’re on the subject, it’s “weird”, not “weird”.) By the way, while we’re on the subject, that sentence should more correctly be punctuated thusly: > [@](#): > > (BTW, while we’re on the subject, it’s “weird,” not “weird.”) And, yes, “anal-retentive” _is_ hyphenated - when used as an adjective. 😉 Esprix [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/its-lose-not-loose/42930.md?page=2)