almost left

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "almost left" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that someone was very close to departing but ultimately did not do so. Example: "I almost left the party early, but then I decided to stay and enjoy the music."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

54 human-written examples

I almost left twice.

The New York Times

The memorial was almost left unrealized.

The New York Times

It was almost left too late.

The Guardian - Opinion

Even Beltagi almost left the Brotherhood in protest.

The New York Times

Picasso: Oh, my God, I almost left her out.

The New Yorker

He almost left the team and went home.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

6 human-written examples

Almost leaving.

The New Yorker

"It almost leaves me speechless".

The New York Times

Murray thunders a 128mph ace out wide, which almost leaves a scorch mark on the line.

The Guardian - Sport

"But what happened this week, the two grave incidents, it almost leaves us no choice".

The New York Times

But he puts it down, and almost leaves without it: Julie: Oh Pres, you forgot your stick.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "almost left" to convey a sense of near-miss or a decision that hung in the balance. It's effective in narratives where the outcome could have easily been different.

Common error

Avoid using "almost left" when you mean someone briefly considered leaving but were never close to acting on it. "Considered leaving" is more appropriate in such cases.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "almost left" functions as a compound verb phrase, where 'almost' modifies the verb 'left'. It describes an action that was close to happening but did not fully materialize. Ludwig confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Formal & Business

15%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Reference

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "almost left" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe a situation where a departure was imminent but ultimately did not occur. As Ludwig AI confirms, its usage is straightforward and versatile, fitting seamlessly into various contexts, especially in News & Media. When using this phrase, remember that it conveys a sense of nearness to leaving, so ensure it aligns with the intended meaning. For situations where the idea of leaving was merely a consideration, alternatives like "considered leaving" might be more accurate. With its high frequency and diverse applications, "almost left" remains a valuable tool for expressing near-misses and averted actions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

nearly departed

Replaces "almost" with "nearly", indicating a close approximation to leaving.

close to leaving

Uses "close to" to express proximity to the act of leaving.

on the verge of leaving

Emphasizes the imminence of the departure.

about to abandon

Focuses on the abandonment aspect, highlighting a potential decision.

considering leaving

Shifts the focus to the thought process of leaving rather than the action itself.

contemplated departure

More formal and emphasizes a thoughtful consideration of leaving.

had one foot out the door

Idiomatic expression indicating a strong intention to leave.

was on the point of leaving

Formal alternative indicating a moment very near to departure.

came close to quitting

Specifically implies stopping an activity or job.

hesitated before staying

Highlights the hesitation and the ultimate decision to remain.

FAQs

How can I use "almost left" in a sentence?

Use "almost left" to describe a situation where someone or something nearly departed or was abandoned. For instance, "I "almost left" the party early because I was tired."

What are some alternatives to saying "almost left"?

You can use alternatives such as "nearly departed", "close to leaving", or "on the verge of leaving" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is there a difference between "almost left" and "considered leaving"?

"Almost left" suggests a higher likelihood of departure, while "considered leaving" indicates a more preliminary stage of thinking about leaving.

When is it appropriate to use "almost left" instead of "left"?

Use ""almost left"" when the departure didn't actually happen. If the person or thing did leave, use "left". For example, "I almost left but decided to stay" versus "I left after an hour".