all but left

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "all but left" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to indicate that someone has almost left or is very close to leaving, but has not completely done so. Example: "After the argument, she was all but left the room when she paused to reconsider her words."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sports

General Discussions

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

26 human-written examples

Suede's one-time aura of cool, detached poise is all but left for dust.

Independent

Before 400, Thucydides wrote a history, obsessed with explanation, that all but left the gods out of the frame.

The New York Times - Books

All but left for dead in the third set, Hingis began a string of winning endless rallies.

The New York Times - Sports

In an era when nuance has all but left the sport, here's a 19-year-old whose unconventional game is all about nuance and unpredictability.

The New York Times

Only a few years ago it was all but left for dead; men were ditching it even as part of a tuxedo.

The New York Times

Your song choices may however not go in a political direction at all, but, left or right as you choose, may take an altogether different tone or context.

The Guardian - Music

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

34 human-written examples

The arrangement was acceptable to all sides, but left I.H.H. officials in Gaza deeply upset.

The New York Times

We tried to pick them all up but left one child in the house.

The Guardian

After returning to England at age 22 he was made a fellow at All Souls but left Oxford.

The New York Times

So now the Red Sox are hoping beyond hope that he's the real thing, Les Carpenter writes on Yahoo.com, because it's the only glimmer of hope in this all-but-left-for-dead rivalry.

The New York Times

Ever since he spoke of "refining" his plans for pulling out of Iraq, liberals have assailed him for backing away from his commitment to all but leave Iraq within 16 months of taking office.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "all but left" when you want to emphasize that something is very close to happening, without it actually being completed yet. It adds a sense of anticipation or near-finality.

Common error

Avoid using "all but left" if the action is entirely completed. The phrase implies a state of being almost finished, not fully executed. Use "left" when the action is definitely completed.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "all but left" functions as a qualifier, indicating that an action (leaving) is nearly complete or a state is nearly achieved. Ludwig provides numerous examples where it modifies a verb, expressing a high degree of probability or imminence.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

37%

Sports

22%

General Discussions

15%

Less common in

Science

12%

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

10%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "all but left" is a common phrase used to express that an action, specifically leaving, is very close to being completed. Ludwig's analysis indicates that it functions as a qualifier, adding a nuance of near-completion without stating the action is fully finalized. This expression is seen across various contexts, from news and media to general discussions. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in English, although in formal contexts, more precise language might be preferred. The phrase effectively conveys a sense of anticipation or a precarious situation, making it a versatile addition to one's vocabulary.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

virtually departed

Emphasizes the almost complete nature of the departure.

nearly gone

Focuses on the proximity to the state of being completely gone.

practically vacated

Highlights the act of leaving a place or position in a near-complete manner.

almost abandoned

Suggests a strong likelihood of being left behind or deserted.

effectively quitted

Indicates that the action of quitting is nearly complete, with practical implications already in effect.

tantamount to leaving

Equates the current situation to the act of leaving, emphasizing the similarity in outcome.

as good as gone

Highlights the inevitability of departure.

on the verge of exiting

Focuses on the imminent nature of leaving.

all but disappeared

Suggests something or someone has almost vanished or become unseen.

nearing departure

Directly indicates that departure is approaching or imminent.

FAQs

How can I rephrase the sentence "He had all but left"?

You could say "He had "virtually departed"", "He was "nearly gone"", or "He had "practically vacated" the premises depending on the context".

Is it correct to say "She has all but left her job" if she is still employed?

Yes, it's correct. "All but left" implies she's on the verge of leaving. If she has already quit, it would be more accurate to say "She has left her job".

What's the difference between "almost left" and "all but left"?

"All but left" emphasizes a stronger likelihood or inevitability of leaving compared to "almost left". "All but left" suggests that very little is preventing the action from happening.

When should I not use the phrase "all but left"?

Avoid using "all but left" in formal or academic writing where more precise language is preferred. In those contexts, use more specific alternatives like "nearly completed" or "was on the verge of".