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Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak quote

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak

CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com

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a whole left

Grammar usage guide and real-world examples

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a whole left" is not standard or commonly used in written English.
It may be used in contexts discussing something that remains or is remaining, but it lacks clarity without additional context. Example: "After the meeting, there was a whole left in our understanding of the project."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

Consequently, a whole left inguinal (2 × 1 × 0.5 cm) lymph node was resected.

The diverse work of Thomas's thoughts on every character and the main abstract idea as a whole left me awestruck.

News & Media

The Guardian

But the focus and passion of the performance as a whole left you eager to hear what they will do with the 11 remaining works.

"I flushed, with a kind of despair," she writes, adding that the evening as a whole left her so upset, she was unable to write a word of her vagina book for the next six months.

The whole situation also drove a wedge between the photographer and me, so the experience as a whole left a bitter taste.

News & Media

Vice

"The trial as a whole left everyone at the Guardian feeling vindicated, because of the scale of the crime which it established.

News & Media

Vice
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Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

As a whole, left-handed batters hit.255 off the Nationals, the 10th highest mark in the majors.

"All of a sudden the whole left side of my body went completely numb," he said.

News & Media

The New York Times

A sample of whole left ventricle (~80 mg) was washed in mitochondrial isolation solution, frozen using pre-cooled Wollenberger clamps under liquid nitrogen and stored at −80°C for later analysis of enzyme activity.

BMD was measured for left radius/ulna, left hip femoral neck, left hip trochanter, whole left leg (which included both the tibia and the femur), lumbar spine, and whole body.

"I am for a primary of the whole left, not necessarily of the whole administration," he said.

News & Media

BBC
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Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing parts of the body or regions, ensure clarity by specifying "side", "portion", or "area" after "left" to avoid ambiguity. For example, use "the whole left side" instead of "a whole left".

Common error

Using "a whole left" can be vague. Instead of saying "a whole left", be specific by adding a noun after "left" to clarify what you are referring to. For instance, "the whole left side" is much clearer.

Antonio Rotolo, PhD - Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

Antonio Rotolo, PhD

Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

Source & Trust

83%

Authority and reliability

3.2/5

Expert rating

Real-world application tested

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a whole left" primarily functions as a modifier, attempting to describe something located on or related to the left side. However, its grammatical function is weak due to the lack of a clear noun, as highlighted by Ludwig AI.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

38%

News & Media

50%

Encyclopedias

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a whole left" is grammatically questionable and lacks precision, as Ludwig AI indicates. While it appears in some contexts, particularly in science and news, it's best to avoid it in formal writing. For clearer communication, consider using alternatives like "the whole left side" or "an entire left portion". By adding a noun after "left", you ensure that your meaning is easily understood. Despite some limited usage, prioritizing clarity will improve your writing quality. Its usage can vary, but it's uncommon and should be used carefully.

FAQs

How can I make the phrase "a whole left" more grammatically sound?

To improve grammatical correctness, specify what 'left' refers to by adding a noun. For example, use "the whole left side", "the whole left portion", or "the whole left area".

What are some alternatives to "a whole left"?

Consider using alternatives like "an entire left", "a complete left", or "the entire left side" to enhance clarity and grammatical correctness.

Is "a whole left" considered formal or informal language?

Due to its lack of precision and infrequent usage, "a whole left" is generally considered informal. Opt for more descriptive and grammatically correct alternatives in formal contexts.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "a whole left"?

While technically not incorrect, it's best to avoid "a whole left" in formal writing. If you need to convey a similar meaning, rephrase using more specific and grammatically sound alternatives to ensure clarity.

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Source & Trust

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Authority and reliability

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Expert rating

Real-world application tested

Most frequent sentences: