are left

USAGE SUMMARY

'are left' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to refer to the remaining amount of something. For example: "Only ten tickets are left for the concert tonight."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Sometimes they are left".

The Economist

Consumers are left confused.

The Economist

Two theories are left.

The New Yorker

— are left unsettled.

The New York Times - Books

"Few are left.

The New York Times

Doors are left unlocked.

The Economist

They are left.

The Guardian

"We are left without radar".

The New York Times

They are left with nothing".

Independent

We are left to wonder.

The New York Times

Only the foundations are left.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider stronger verbs or alternative constructions to add emphasis or vary sentence structure. Instead of "are left", try "remain" or "persist" to maintain clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "are left" in overly passive sentences where the actor is unclear. For example, instead of "Mistakes are left uncorrected", specify who is leaving the mistakes uncorrected: "The editor left the mistakes uncorrected".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are left" primarily functions as a verb phrase indicating a remaining quantity or state. Ludwig provides examples like "Only the foundations are left", showcasing its usage. The phrase implies that something has been removed or consumed, and what remains is being described.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

47%

Formal & Business

19%

Science

17%

Less common in

Wiki

12%

Unknown

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "are left" is a versatile verb phrase used to indicate what remains after something has been diminished or removed. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and widespread use across various contexts, particularly in News & Media, Formal & Business, and Scientific domains. When using this phrase, clarity is key; ensure the subject is plural and the context makes it clear what is remaining. While "are left" is suitable for neutral registers, consider alternatives like "remain" or "are remaining" for stylistic variation. Avoid passive constructions where the actor is unclear to maintain the strength of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

are remaining

Highlights the ongoing state of something being left.

remain

A more concise alternative, focusing on the persistence of something.

still exist

Emphasizes the continued existence of something.

are in existence

A formal way to say that something remains or exists.

are available

Focuses on the accessibility of what is left.

are in stock

Specifically refers to remaining items that can be purchased or used.

can be found

Indicates that items or entities still exist and can be discovered.

are to be found

A more formal version of "can be found".

are outstanding

Highlights that something is still pending or unresolved.

are unsettled

Similar to 'are outstanding', focusing on matters that need resolution.

FAQs

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

Use "are left" to indicate what remains after something has been removed or consumed. For example, "Only a few cookies "are left" on the plate".

What can I say instead of "are left"?

You can use alternatives like "remain", "are remaining", or "still exist" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "are left" or "is left"?

"Are left" is used with plural subjects, while "is left" is used with singular subjects. For example, "Only a few seats "are left"" (plural) versus "Only one seat "is left"" (singular).

What's the difference between "are left" and "were left"?

"Are left" indicates a present state, while "were left" indicates a past state. For example, "Only a few seats "are left" now" (present) versus "Only a few seats "were left" after the show" (past).