about having left

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "about having left" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing a topic related to the act of leaving, often in a reflective or explanatory context. Example: "She was uncertain about having left her job without a backup plan."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

They were all nervous – although excited – about having left home.

The Guardian

She also tried not to think about having left her baby.

The New York Times - Magazine

Jefferson told ESPN he was 50-50 about having left Arizona a year early.

The New York Times - Sports

When they encountered a border guard, they concocted a story about having left a car on the other side.

The New Yorker

Later, one of the officials said, Fadl "used to carry a photograph" of the woman, and cried about having left her behind.

The New Yorker

They expressed no regrets about having left their home countries in the Persian Gulf to rally to Mr. bin Laden's cause.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

A number of the people she complains about have left the sport, taking their attitudes with them.

The Guardian - Sport

Even after the only person whose opinion I cared about had left on a boat for America, I continued to fill pages with her name.

The New Yorker

The part about Cohen not having left the country?

The Washington Post

Mrs. Wilbur was telling her husband about the maid having left.

The New Yorker

We followed the convoy for about nine hours, having left Voronezh before dawn.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "about having left" to express reflection or uncertainty concerning a past departure, particularly when emphasizing the speaker's emotional state or ongoing consideration of the event.

Common error

Avoid substituting "of having left" for "about having left". The preposition "about" correctly indicates the topic of consideration, while "of" implies possession or origin which is grammatically incorrect in this context.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "about having left" functions as a prepositional phrase modifying a noun or pronoun. It introduces a topic of consideration or concern related to a past departure, as evidenced by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "about having left" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression for reflecting on a past departure. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and provides numerous examples from reputable sources, primarily in the news and media domain. When choosing a suitable alternative, consider the desired level of formality and specific nuance you wish to convey, such as "regarding the departure" or "concerning the leaving". It's important to remember to use "about" and not "of" in this context to ensure grammatical accuracy.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

regarding the departure

Focuses on the act of departure itself, rather than the speaker's feelings.

concerning the leaving

More formal and impersonal than "about having left".

reflecting on the exit

Emphasizes the act of thoughtful consideration after someone has left.

thinking about the abandonment

Implies a sense of being forsaken, which is not necessarily present in the original phrase.

considering the past departure

Highlights the element of contemplation and the temporal aspect of the departure.

pondering the act of leaving

Emphasizes a deep and thoughtful reflection.

in relation to the exit

This alternative is less personal and focuses on a formal connection.

with respect to the leaving

This alternative is more formal and detached.

regarding the prior separation

Highlights the separation, which is not necessarily present in the original phrase.

in connection with the departure

Suggests a more causal or logical link.

FAQs

How can I use "about having left" in a sentence?

You can use "about having left" to express mixed feelings or uncertainty regarding a past departure. For example, "She was uncertain about having left her job without a backup plan."

What's a more formal way to say "about having left"?

For a more formal tone, consider using phrases like "regarding the departure" or "concerning the leaving".

Is it correct to say "of having left" instead of "about having left"?

No, "of having left" is grammatically incorrect in this context. The correct preposition to use is "about", which indicates the topic being discussed.

When should I use "about having left" versus other similar phrases?

Use "about having left" when you want to emphasize a feeling of reflection or uncertainty regarding a decision. Other phrases may be more appropriate depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.