can be left high

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "can be left high" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where something or someone is abandoned or left in a difficult situation, often without support or assistance. Example: "After the project was canceled, many employees felt they could be left high and dry without any guidance on their next steps."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Otherwise, he said, you can be left high and dry if the developer goes bust.

The New York Times - Travel

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

Meanwhile, the funky high-risk companies can be left to more placid periods.

Forbes

He maintained the high traditions of the bar, which postulate that no person can be left undefended.

The New York Times

What can be left out?

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

They can be left in Dubai.

The New Yorker

How much can be left?

The New York Times

No child can be left behind.

Unicef

Consider what can be left unpacked.

WikiHow

Small peppers can be left whole.

WikiHow

Small beets can be left whole.

WikiHow

It can be left out if preferred.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "can be left high", ensure the context clearly indicates who or what is being abandoned or left in a vulnerable situation. This phrase is effective for highlighting potential negative outcomes due to neglect or unforeseen circumstances.

Common error

Avoid using "can be left high" when the situation implies a temporary inconvenience rather than a significant risk or abandonment. The phrase carries a connotation of serious negative consequences and should be reserved for appropriate contexts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "can be left high" functions as part of a predicate, often describing a potential negative outcome or consequence. Ludwig AI confirms this phrase is used to express a risk of abandonment or vulnerability.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Wiki

25%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

15%

Encyclopedias

5%

Academia

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "can be left high" is a grammatically correct phrase used to highlight potential risks and vulnerabilities. It is most commonly found in news, wiki, and scientific contexts. The phrase serves to warn about potential negative consequences, and Ludwig AI confirms its usability in describing situations of abandonment or risk. While not extremely common, it is a useful idiom for emphasizing the stakes in a given scenario. Alternative phrases include "can be abandoned" and "can be left stranded".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

can be abandoned

Replaces "left high" with a more direct term for desertion.

can be left stranded

Emphasizes being stuck and without resources.

can be left vulnerable

Highlights the susceptibility to harm or difficulty.

can be exposed to

Focuses on the risk of facing negative consequences.

can be made susceptible

Highlights something or someone being made vulnerable.

could suffer the consequences

Shifts the focus to the negative outcome.

may be at risk

Highlights the potential danger.

can be in danger

Emphasizes the exposure to danger.

can be unsupported

Replaces “left high” with direct expression of lack of support.

might face adversity

Shifts the focus to facing difficult or challenging situations.

FAQs

What does "can be left high" mean?

The phrase "can be left high" signifies that something or someone could be abandoned or left in a vulnerable and precarious situation, often without support.

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

You can use "can be left high" to describe a situation where neglecting something may result in serious negative consequences. For example: "If safety protocols are not followed, workers "can be left high" and dry in the event of an accident."

What are some alternatives to "can be left high"?

Alternatives to "can be left high" include "can be abandoned", "can be left stranded", or "can be left vulnerable", depending on the specific context.

In what situations is it appropriate to use the phrase "can be left high"?

It is appropriate to use "can be left high" when highlighting potential risks, abandonment, or serious negative consequences that may arise from a particular action or inaction. Avoid using it for trivial or temporary inconveniences.