Almost left

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Almost left" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it when you want to refer to the fact that someone was about to leave, but ended up staying for a while longer. For example: "John was about to leave the party, but then he remembered that he'd promised to help with the dishes, so he almost left but decided to stay."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

51 human-written examples

I almost left twice.

The New York Times

The memorial was almost left unrealized.

The New York Times

It was almost left too late.

The Guardian - Opinion

Even Beltagi almost left the Brotherhood in protest.

The New York Times

Picasso: Oh, my God, I almost left her out.

The New Yorker

He almost left the team and went home.

The New York Times - Sports

When he returned from Afghanistan, I almost left him.

The New York Times

Brazelton instinctively bridled at these standards — in fact, he almost left pediatrics after his medical training.

Princeton University

Back in Buffalo, Stan had almost left his wife once before for Althea Wadsworth.

The New Yorker

In all the excitement, I almost left without saying goodbye to Tante Safi.

The New York Times - Magazine

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

"We were almost left with just a half-finished warehouse," Mr. Doré said.

The New York Times - Food

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "Almost left" to clearly indicate a situation where departure was imminent but ultimately did not occur. This can add dramatic tension or highlight a change of heart.

Common error

Ensure you're not using "Almost left" when "Left" is more appropriate. "Almost left" indicates a near departure, while "Left" signifies a completed action.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "Almost left" functions primarily as a verb phrase, typically used as part of a larger sentence to indicate a past action that was on the cusp of completion but did not fully occur. As Ludwig AI confirms, it accurately expresses a near departure.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Academia

27%

Formal & Business

13%

Less common in

Science

6%

Wiki

4%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "Almost left" is a versatile verb phrase used to describe situations where someone or something nearly departed but remained. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and wide applicability. The phrase sees frequent use in News & Media, Academia, and Formal & Business contexts. When writing, be mindful of the distinction between "Almost left" and "Left", as the former indicates a near departure, not a completed one. Consider using alternatives like "nearly departed" or "was on the verge of leaving" depending on the context. With its clear communicative purpose and widespread usage, "Almost left" remains a valuable tool in English expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Nearly departed

Focuses on the action of departing, emphasizing how close someone was to leaving.

Was on the verge of leaving

Highlights the imminence of the departure.

Came close to exiting

Uses 'exiting' as a more formal synonym for leaving.

Was about to go

A more informal way of expressing the intention to leave.

Practically walked out

Emphasizes the ease or readiness with which someone could have left.

Contemplated leaving

Focuses on the mental consideration of leaving, rather than the physical act.

Considered an exit

More formal and emphasizes the act of exiting.

Almost abandoned

Suggests a complete and perhaps irresponsible departure.

Nearly quit

Applies specifically to leaving a job or commitment.

Almost bailed

An informal term suggesting a sudden or unplanned departure.

FAQs

How can I use "Almost left" in a sentence?

Use "Almost left" to describe a situation where someone was very close to leaving a place, situation, or relationship but ultimately stayed. For instance, "She "almost left" her job due to the stress, but then she got a promotion".

What's the difference between "Almost left" and "Left"?

"Almost left" implies a near departure that did not happen, whereas "Left" indicates a completed departure. "He "almost left"" means he considered leaving but didn't, while "He left" means he actually departed.

What can I say instead of "Almost left"?

You can use alternatives like "Nearly departed", "was on the verge of leaving", or "came close to exiting depending on the context".

Is it correct to say "Almost left" in formal writing?

Yes, "Almost left" is perfectly acceptable in formal writing. However, consider using a more sophisticated alternative like "nearly departed" or "was on the verge of leaving" for a more elevated tone.