lost property

Meaning

This term refers to personal items that have been accidentally left behind by their owners in public places, like trains, buses, or hotels. It also refers to the office or department where these items are kept. It is a neutral term, most commonly used in British, Australian, and international English.

Examples

• I left my umbrella on the train, so I need to check the lost property office.

  I left my umbrella on the train, so I need to check the lost property office.

• All items left on the bus are sent to lost property at the end of the day.

  All items left on the bus are sent to lost property at the end of the day.

• Excuse me, where is the lost property department in this station?

  Excuse me, where is the lost property department in this station?

• They found my wallet and handed it in to lost property.

  They found my wallet and handed it in to lost property.

• You should contact lost property to see if anyone turned in your keys.

  You should contact lost property to see if anyone turned in your keys.

Common Mistakes

• ✗ I went to the lost objects office.

  ✓ I went to the lost property office.

  "Lost property" is the correct, established collocation. "Lost objects" or "lost things" is not used for the name of the office.

• ✗ Did you find my lost property?

  ✓ Did you find my lost items?

  "Lost property" usually refers to the category of items or the department itself, rather than a specific individual's personal item in casual conversation.

Related Expressions

Practice

• If you lose your phone on the subway, you should ask at the ___.

  💡 The place where forgotten items are kept.

  Show answer

  lost property office

• Any bags left unattended will be taken to ___.

  💡 The department for misplaced belongings.

  Show answer

  lost property