at a loss of vs at a loss for

[optimistic pessimist]

Dear all,


When you don't know what to say, do you say "I'm at a loss for words", or "I'm at a loss of words"?

I think "at a loss for words" is standard, but there are a lot of hits of "at a loss of words" on the web.

Thank you

OP

 

[bhaisahab]

"I'm at a loss of words" is incorrect.

 

[Matthew Wai]

Is it incorrect because 'loss of words' means 'losing words', which doesn't make sense?

Not a teacher.

 

[MikeNewYork]

It doesn't make sense and it isn't idiomatic.

 

[Tarheel]

Is it incorrect because 'loss of words' means 'losing words', which doesn't make sense?

Not a teacher.

You are absolutely right, Matthew. You can't lose words. And, of course, the expression is "at a loss for words" which means the person doesn't have any words.
:up:

 

[emsr2d2]

Most people would say "I am/was lost for words".

 

[MikeNewYork]

Not in the US.