all that is left

USAGE SUMMARY

"all that is left" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to the remaining objects, people, or possibilities after something else has been removed or depleted. For example: After the storm, all that is left of the house is a pile of rubble.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"All that is left is a process of disintegration".

The New York Times

Now, all that is left there are shallow graves.

The New York Times

"All that is left for us is to tear our skin off," he added.

The New York Times

Like Worcestershire sauce, all that is left behind is an elusive flavor.

The New York Times - Food

Nothing of all that is left.

The Economist

Prices are all that is left.

The Economist

All that is left is dinner.

The New York Times - Magazine

It's a pity, and all that is left is bitterness.

The New York Times - Magazine

All that is left now is the no-hitter.

The New York Times - Sports

All that is left to the seer is the wheeze.

The New York Times

All that is left, housing experts say, is co-ops.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "all that is left", ensure the context clearly establishes what has been removed or depleted. This provides a clearer understanding of what remains.

Common error

Avoid using "all that is left" when the scope of what was initially present is unclear. This can lead to confusion and weaken your message. Always establish the initial quantity or state before describing what remains.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "all that is left" functions as a determiner phrase, often acting as a subject complement or an adjective phrase modifying a noun. It describes the remaining portion or items after something has been depleted or removed, such as indicated in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

56%

Science

16%

Wiki

13%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "all that is left" is a versatile phrase used to describe what remains after something has been diminished or removed. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability in written English, noting its prevalence in describing remaining objects, people, or possibilities. As demonstrated by Ludwig's examples, this phrase appears most frequently in news and media sources. For effective use, ensure the context clearly indicates what has been reduced, and be mindful of the scope to avoid ambiguity. While alternatives like "all that remains" exist, "all that is left" remains a clear and widely understood choice.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

all that remains

Replaces "is left" with "remains", keeping the same core meaning but sounding slightly more formal.

the only thing left

Shifts the focus to highlight the singularity of what remains.

what's still here

More informal and emphasizes presence rather than remainder.

that which is remaining

A more formal and somewhat archaic phrasing.

the sole survivor

Emphasizes survival and uniqueness, suitable for dramatic contexts.

the last vestige

Highlights the idea of something fading away, with a hint of nostalgia.

the balance

Implies a calculation or assessment of what's outstanding.

what endures

Focuses on resilience and lasting quality.

the residue

Often refers to physical remnants or leftovers.

the remnant

Similar to 'residue' but can also refer to a surviving group of people.

FAQs

How can I use "all that is left" in a sentence?

You can use "all that is left" to describe what remains after something has been used up, destroyed, or removed. For example, "After the fire, "all that is left" of the building is the foundation".

What are some alternatives to "all that is left"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "all that remains", "the only thing left", or "what's still here".

Is it grammatically correct to say "all that are left"?

While "all that is left" is generally accepted, "all that are left" is also correct, particularly when referring to plural nouns. Some might consider "all that are left" more formally correct, but both are widely used and understood.

What's the difference between "all that is left" and "everything that is left"?

"All that is left" emphasizes the remaining portion, while "everything that is left" emphasizes the completeness of what remains. The choice depends on which aspect you want to highlight.