all that was left

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "all that was left" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe what remains after something has been taken away or used up. Example: "After the storm passed, all that was left was debris scattered across the yard."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

"All that was left was this hole".

The New York Times

I was all that was left.

The New Yorker

Cereal was all that was left.

The New York Times

Since then, all that was left has been Dwayne's Photo.

The New York Times

Had I just $2 more $1111 was all that was left — I'd have bought two.

The New York Times

The lifeboats were all that was left of the unsinkable Titanic.

The New York Times

Really, all that was left was laying there.

Huffington Post

"All that was left were mud and craters.

Vice

"All that was left was to work with the singers, he said" according to the Times.

Huffington Post

What a dream smelled like or tasted like was all that was left to her.

The New York Times

By 1969 all that was left was the chauffeur business.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When employing the phrase, consider the context to ensure it appropriately conveys the idea of a finality or a significant depletion. Sometimes a more nuanced alternative might better suit the situation.

Common error

Avoid using "all that was left" in situations where a simple statement of quantity suffices. Overusing it can dilute its impact, especially when describing minor or insignificant remnants. If you intend to communicate simple information, then the use of simpler statements like "that was the quantity" might be a better fit.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "all that was left" functions as a noun phrase, often acting as the subject or object of a sentence. It identifies and describes the remaining elements or consequences after a process of reduction, removal, or consumption. According to Ludwig AI, this phrase is grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

73%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

12%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "all that was left" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase that functions as a noun phrase, primarily to express reduction, loss, or finality. According to Ludwig, this phrase finds its most frequent use in News & Media contexts. When using this phrase, consider its weight and ensure it appropriately conveys the intended sense of finality or significant depletion. Alternatives such as "what remained" or "the only thing remaining" can provide a more nuanced expression depending on the specific context. Be aware that overusing this phrase or employing it in scenarios where a simple statement suffices can diminish its impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

what remained

A more concise way of expressing the surviving portion after something has diminished.

the only thing remaining

Focuses on the singular aspect of what is still present after depletion or removal.

the sole remainder

Emphasizes the uniqueness of what's left, implying nothing else survived or persisted.

the surviving portion

Highlights the act of survival, suggesting the remaining part overcame some adversity.

what persisted

Highlights the endurance and continued existence of something despite challenges.

the last vestige

Suggests the final, often small or insignificant, part that remains of something larger.

the residue

Implies what's left is a trace or remnant, often with a negative connotation like debris.

the lone survivor

Conveys a sense of isolation and resilience, emphasizing the single entity that persists.

the balance

Refers to the amount that is still available or needs to be accounted for.

the aftermath

Focuses on the consequences and elements present after a significant event.

FAQs

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

You can use "all that was left" to describe the remaining items or conditions after something has been removed, consumed, or destroyed. For instance, "After the fire, "all that was left" was a pile of ashes."

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

Alternatives include "what remained", "the only thing remaining", or "the sole remainder", depending on the specific context and nuance you wish to convey.

Is "all that is left" grammatically different from "all that was left"?

"All that is left" refers to the present state, while "all that was left" refers to a past state. Use "all that is left" when describing what currently remains and "all that was left" when describing what remained at a specific point in the past.

When is it appropriate to use "all that was left" instead of "the rest"?

"All that was left" implies a significant reduction or loss, leaving only a remnant. "The rest" simply refers to the remaining portion without necessarily implying a prior loss or depletion. If emphasizing a sense of reduction or loss, "all that was left" is more appropriate.