been left out

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "been left out" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something or someone has been excluded or omitted from a group, list, or situation. Example: "I noticed that my name has been left out of the invitation list for the event."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Could it have been left out?

The Guardian - Tech

Xavi had been left out, again.

The Guardian - Sport

Why had the book been left out on the stoop?

The New York Times

"Emerson has not been left out for personal reasons.

The Guardian - Sport

What might have been left out to strengthen a case?

The Guardian

Agüero had been left out – the question was why.

The Guardian - Sport

What do you think has been left out?

The Guardian - Books

Yes, many musicians have been left out, especially nonclassicists.

The New York Times - Arts

politics has been left out in the cold.

The Guardian

The motive for the sausages having been left out is not clear".

Independent

Several sculptures have been left out along the way, but concision has value of its own.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "been left out", ensure the context clearly indicates what or who has been excluded and the reason for the exclusion, if relevant. Clarity enhances the impact of your statement.

Common error

Avoid using "been left out" without specifying what is missing or who is excluded. This can lead to confusion and weaken your message. Always provide context to clarify the subject of exclusion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "been left out" functions as a passive construction indicating that someone or something has been excluded or omitted. As Ludwig AI indicates, it's a standard and usable phrase in English. The examples show its use in various contexts, from sports to academics.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

40%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Academia

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "been left out" is a grammatically sound and very common phrase used to indicate exclusion or omission, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. It appears frequently in news, media, and scientific contexts, with a neutral register making it suitable for varied forms of communication. When using "been left out", ensure you clearly specify what is being excluded to avoid ambiguity. Alternatives such as "been excluded" or "been omitted" can be used to vary your language, but the core meaning remains consistent: something or someone is missing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

been excluded

Direct synonym emphasizing the act of being kept out or excluded.

been omitted

Focuses on the act of something being deliberately left out.

not been included

States the absence of inclusion in a straightforward manner.

been excluded from consideration

Specifies that something wasn't considered.

been passed over

Suggests that something or someone was skipped or not chosen.

been sidelined

Implies being moved to the periphery or rendered inactive.

been disregarded

Highlights that something was ignored or not taken into account.

been overlooked

Indicates that something was missed or not noticed.

been dispensed with

Implies that something was removed because it was unnecessary.

failed to be selected

Focuses on the lack of selection or choice.

FAQs

How can I use "been left out" in a sentence?

You can use "been left out" to indicate exclusion or omission. For example, "Several key details have been left out of the report", or "She felt she had been left out of the decision-making process".

What's a simple way to say "been left out"?

Alternatives include "been excluded", "been omitted", or "not been included", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

What's the difference between "been left out" and "been excluded"?

"Been left out" generally implies a passive omission, while "been excluded" often suggests a more deliberate act of keeping something or someone out.

Is it correct to say "was left out" instead of "been left out"?

Yes, "was left out" is grammatically correct, but it typically refers to a single instance in the past, whereas "been left out" often implies a state or a pattern over time. For example, "He was left out of the team last week" versus "He has often been left out of team activities".