be left

USAGE SUMMARY

"be left" is correct and usable in written English.
It is a verb phrase that can be used in various contexts to indicate that something is remaining or leftover. Here are a few examples: 1. "After the party, there were only a few cookies left on the plate." 2. "I forgot to pack my umbrella, so I was left standing in the rain." 3. "The children had eaten all the candy, and I was left with an empty bag." 4. "When the guests left, there was still a mess to be cleaned up." 5. "Unfortunately, there was nothing left to do but cancel the event."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Who will be left?

The New York Times

Should be left.

The New Yorker

We can't be left out.

The Economist

Nobody will be left behind".

The New York Times

Will countries be left adrift?

The Guardian

What could be left?

The New York Times - Arts

Nothing shall be left".

The Guardian - Opinion

be left behind.

The Guardian - Books

should be left uncorrected.

The New York Times - Magazine

And some waste will always be left.

The Economist

"Such conduct cannot be left unchallenged".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "be left", ensure the context clearly indicates what is doing the leaving and what remains. This avoids ambiguity and strengthens the clarity of your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "be left" when an active voice construction would be more direct and impactful. Overuse of the passive voice can make your writing seem weak or unclear.

Linguistic Context

The verb phrase "be left" primarily functions as part of the passive voice, indicating a state or condition resulting from a previous action. It frequently signifies what remains after something has been removed or has ceased to exist. Ludwig examples confirm its usage in various contexts, from physical objects to abstract concepts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

51%

Wiki

25%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Science

10%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the verb phrase "be left" is a versatile and common expression used to describe a state of remaining or being abandoned, often as a result of a previous action. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and broad applicability across various contexts. It is most frequently found in News & Media sources, with a neutral register suitable for both formal and informal writing. To ensure clarity, pay close attention to the context and avoid overuse in passive voice constructions. Using related phrases like "remain" or "be remaining" can add nuance to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be leftover

This alternative directly refers to something that remains after something else has been used or consumed.

remain

This alternative focuses on the state of still existing or being present after others have gone or something has been used.

be the remainder

This phrase highlights the portion that still exists after a part has been taken away.

be remaining

This alternative emphasizes the ongoing nature of something continuing to exist.

be the residue

Similar to 'be remainder' but this conveys that what is "be left" is the residual outcome of a mechanical process.

be abandoned

This suggests being forsaken or deserted, highlighting a sense of being left behind in a negative context.

be deserted

Similar to 'be abandoned', this emphasizes being left alone or isolated.

be found

This suggests a discovery of something in a certain state, implying that it was left in that condition.

be discovered

Similar to 'be found', it emphasizes the act of uncovering something that was left in a particular state.

be staying

This suggests the action of remainin instead of ending in a state

FAQs

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

The phrase "be left" indicates a state of remaining or being abandoned. For example, "After the storm, only a few trees were left standing" or "If you don't register, you'll "be left behind"".

What does it mean when something is described as "be left"?

It means that the subject is in a state of remaining after a process of elimination or departure. This can refer to physical objects, feelings, or abstract concepts.

What are some alternatives to saying "be left"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "remain", "be remaining", or "be abandoned" to convey similar meanings.

Is it better to use "be left" or "remain"?

Both "be left" and "remain" can be appropriate, but "be left" often implies a sense of something having been removed or taken away, while "remain" simply indicates continuing to exist.