be left destitute

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be left destitute" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where someone is left without money, resources, or means of support, often due to unfortunate circumstances. Example: "After the sudden economic collapse, many families were left destitute and struggling to survive."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

Officials at the local justice department whom she asked about divorce told her that unless Mr. Tan agreed, she could be left destitute.

The New York Times

"The idea: to wake up one morning and discover that 25 years of your life had been a fiction and to suddenly be left destitute".

The New York Times

In addition, there are fears that asylum seekers who have been refused permission to remain in Britain could be left destitute as a result of the contracts going to private companies.

The Guardian

Abandoned migrant and trafficked children will be left destitute and at risk of exploitation if the government goes ahead with a plan to introduce residency tests to determine whether they qualify for legal aid, child protection experts are warning.

The Guardian

Children who were granted refugee status will have to wait a further 12 months before they can access legal aid, raising the prospect that they will be left destitute.

The Guardian

Without giving birth to male children, a woman may be left destitute in her old age.

BMC Women's Health

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

I am left destitute.

The Guardian

The patients die and their families are left destitute.

The New York Times

More than 2 million people have been left destitute.

The Guardian

Since the state nationalized all church property, the clergy were left destitute.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The Mayor said 4000 families were left destitute and 11,000 other families suffered major economic losses.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "be left destitute", consider the context and ensure it accurately reflects a state of extreme poverty and lack of resources, often resulting from unforeseen circumstances or external factors.

Common error

Avoid using "be left destitute" to describe situations where someone experiences temporary financial difficulties but still possesses assets or support systems. This phrase is best reserved for scenarios of utter financial ruin and deprivation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be left destitute" functions as a passive verb phrase, typically used to describe the state of an individual or group after experiencing a significant loss of resources or financial stability. According to Ludwig AI, this phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

15%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "be left destitute" is a grammatically sound and relatively uncommon expression used to depict a state of extreme poverty and complete lack of resources. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness. It is most frequently encountered in news and media, as well as scientific contexts, where it serves to highlight the severity of financial ruin. When writing, it's important to reserve this phrase for situations that genuinely reflect utter impoverishment and to consider alternatives like "become impoverished" or "be reduced to poverty" if a less severe nuance is intended.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

become impoverished

Focuses on the process of becoming poor, similar to being left in that state.

be reduced to poverty

Emphasizes the resulting state of poverty after a decline.

be rendered penniless

Highlights the lack of money as the defining characteristic.

fall into indigence

A more formal way of saying to become extremely poor.

end up in penury

Refers to a state of extreme poverty and hardship.

be stripped of all assets

Focuses on the action of losing everything that one owns.

lose everything

A more general phrase indicating a complete loss of possessions and resources.

be cleaned out

An informal way of saying to have lost all money or possessions.

find oneself bankrupt

Specifically refers to a state of legal financial ruin.

become completely broke

An informal expression for having no money at all.

FAQs

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

Use "be left destitute" to describe a situation where someone ends up with absolutely no money, possessions, or means of support, often due to circumstances beyond their control. For example: "Many families were "be left destitute" after the economic collapse".

What are some alternatives to "be left destitute"?

You can use phrases like "become impoverished", "be reduced to poverty", or "be rendered penniless" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "being left destitute"?

Yes, "being left destitute" is grammatically correct, particularly when used in gerund phrases or clauses. For instance: "The fear of "being left destitute" drove her to seek financial security".

What's the difference between "be left destitute" and "be left in poverty"?

"Be left destitute" implies a more extreme level of poverty than "be left in poverty". Destitution suggests a complete lack of resources, while poverty can encompass a broader range of financial hardship.