are left with

USAGE SUMMARY

"are left with" is a correct and usable part of a sentence in written English.
You can use it to describe the situation when something is the only thing that remains after all other options have been exhausted or ruled out. For example: "After reviewing all of our options, we are left with only one solution."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

They are left with nothing".

Independent

And we are left with several questions.

The New York Times

We are left with Shakespeare's line.

The New York Times

Others are left with less visible wounds.

Independent

We are left with a standoff.

The Guardian - Opinion

We are left with a rootless Pres.

The New Yorker

We are left with many questions.

The New Yorker

We are left with great sadness".

Independent

We are left with thrillers.

The Guardian

We are left with Elbow.

The Guardian - Music

We are left with guesses.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "are left with", ensure the subject clearly identifies who or what is experiencing the remaining state. This prevents ambiguity and maintains clarity in your sentence structure.

Common error

Avoid using "are left with" when simply describing a current state, instead of highlighting a situation where options have been reduced. Using it inappropriately can weaken your writing and misrepresent the intended meaning.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are left with" functions as a stative verb phrase indicating the condition or state that remains after a particular event or process. Ludwig AI confirms its appropriate usage, showing it denotes a final situation after other possibilities are exhausted.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

79%

Science

11%

Academia

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "are left with" is a versatile phrase used to indicate the remaining options, consequences, or possessions after a series of events. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and broad applicability, particularly in news and media, although it is also present in scientific and academic writing. When using "are left with", it's important to ensure the subject is clear and the context implies a reduction or limitation of possibilities. While the phrase is generally neutral in register, avoiding its use when simply describing a current state can enhance clarity. Top sources like The New York Times and The Guardian frequently employ this expression, demonstrating its reliability and acceptance in authoritative contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

find themselves with

Emphasizes the resulting state or situation someone encounters.

remain holding

Highlights the act of keeping or retaining something after a process.

wind up retaining

Implies a less deliberate or planned retention of something.

end up possessing

Focuses on the final acquisition or ownership of something.

result in possessing

Focuses on the result as acquisition or ownership of something.

turn out possessing

Implies the resulting acquisition or ownership of something.

are reduced to

Highlights a diminished or restricted state.

are ultimately faced with

Stresses the inevitability of confronting a particular situation.

are consigned to

Suggests a less desirable or imposed outcome.

conclude with

Focuses on the final action or component in a sequence.

FAQs

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

Use "are left with" to indicate the remaining options, consequences, or possessions after a series of events or decisions. For example, "After the storm, they "are left with" only the clothes on their backs".

What are some alternatives to "are left with"?

You can use alternatives like "find themselves with", "remain holding", or "are ultimately faced with" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "is left with" instead of "are left with"?

The correctness depends on the subject. Use "is left with" for singular subjects (e.g., "He is left with") and "are left with" for plural subjects (e.g., "They are left with").

What's the difference between "are left with" and "ended up with"?

"Are left with" implies a process of elimination or reduction leading to a final state, while "ended up with" simply indicates the final result without necessarily implying a prior reduction. Consider using "ended up with" if the process leading to the result is not important.