all that remains

USAGE SUMMARY

"all that remains" is a perfectly acceptable and commonly used phrase in written English.
You can use it when wanting to express the idea that something is all that is left after something else has gone or been taken away. For example: "All that remains of our beloved beach house are a few scattered memories."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

7 5 6 ALL THAT REMAINS, by Patricia D. Cornwell.

The New York Times - Books

"Now all that remains is dreams.

Unicef

"All that remains here is some ideological apparatus".

The New York Times

When everything ends, he added, "All that remains is love".

The New York Times

All that remains is a blackout.

The New York Times - Arts

All that remains are more questions.

Independent

All that remains is a closed gate.

The New York Times

All that remains is leadership.

Harvard Business Review

This is all that remains of Thomas More.

Independent

All that remains are the cemeteries.

The New York Times

Where all that remains is sky.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "all that remains" to create a sense of finality or loss, highlighting what is left after significant change or depletion.

Common error

Avoid using "all that remains" when referring to something in its early or developing stages; it's more appropriate for situations where a process is largely complete and only remnants are visible.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "all that remains" typically functions as a subject complement or adverbial modifier, indicating what is left or what persists after a change or event. Ludwig shows its common usage across various contexts, validating its grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Formal & Business

15%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "all that remains" is a versatile phrase used to describe the remnants or enduring aspects after a change or event. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage across diverse contexts, particularly in news and media. While adaptable to both formal and informal settings, its core purpose lies in emphasizing finality or the limited state of something. Consider alternatives like "what is left" or "what endures" for nuanced expressions. A key writing tip is to use "all that remains" when aiming to highlight a sense of loss or completion, avoiding its application in initial or developing stages.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

what is left

Focuses on the physical or conceptual remnants of something.

what endures

Emphasizes the lasting or surviving aspect of something.

what persists

Highlights the continuation or ongoing existence of something.

the only thing left

Stresses the singularity and exclusivity of the remaining element.

the remainder

A more formal term for what is left over.

what survives

Focuses on the aspect of overcoming and continuing to exist.

what is outstanding

Shifts the focus to what is yet to be completed or resolved.

the vestiges

Indicates traces or signs of something that no longer exists.

the residue

Implies a byproduct or what is left behind after a process.

what's yet to be done

Focuses on the unfinished tasks or actions.

FAQs

How can I use "all that remains" in a sentence?

The phrase "all that remains" is used to describe what is left after something significant has happened or been taken away. For example: "All that remains of the burnt building is its foundation."

What are some alternatives to saying "all that remains"?

You can use alternatives such as "what is left", "what endures", or "the only thing left" depending on the specific context.

Is "all that remains" formal or informal?

"All that remains" can be used in both formal and informal contexts. Its appropriateness depends more on the surrounding vocabulary and tone than on the phrase itself.

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

While similar, "all that remains" often carries a stronger sense of loss, completion, or finality compared to the more neutral phrase "what is left".