could be left

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "could be left" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something is possible to be left behind or not taken along in a particular context. Example: "If you are not using the old equipment, it could be left in the storage room."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

What could be left?

The New York Times - Arts

You could be left out".

The Guardian - Sport

It could be left with properties it cannot shift.

The Economist

Real kitsch, he decided, could be left to the masses.

The New Yorker

After 1961 property could be left to any person.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Lofty tributes could be left to the politicians.

The Guardian

The unrelated duties could be left in their traditional agencies.

The New York Times

Victims seeking redress could be left worse off.

The New Yorker

3.36pm: BB: One third could be left behind.

The Guardian

There was no space for miscalculation; nothing could be left to chance.

Independent

But if the wind is a no-show, the course could be left defenseless.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "could be left", ensure the context clearly indicates what is being left and the potential consequences or implications of that action. This provides clarity and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "could be left" when an active voice construction is more appropriate and direct. Overusing the passive voice can make your writing sound weak or unclear.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "could be left" functions as a modal passive construction, indicating a possibility or potential outcome where something or someone is in a state of being abandoned, remaining, or not included. This is supported by examples in Ludwig, where it appears in contexts ranging from potential job losses to items not taken along.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

15%

Wiki

12%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

8%

Formal & Business

7%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "could be left" is a versatile phrase used to express a possible future state where something or someone is abandoned or remains. According to Ludwig, it is grammatically correct and frequently used in news and media and scientific contexts. When writing with "could be left", ensure clarity by specifying what is being left and its implications. Be mindful of avoiding passive voice overuse for more direct communication. Alternatives like "might remain" and "may be abandoned" can offer nuanced variations in meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

can be left

Indicates a permission or possibility to leave something in a certain state or location.

could remain

Similar to "might remain" but suggests a slightly higher likelihood or possibility.

might remain

Expresses a possibility that something stays in a certain state or location.

may be abandoned

Indicates a potential state of being forsaken or deserted.

might be forsaken

Suggests a possibility of being abandoned or deserted, often with a sense of being neglected.

can stay behind

Suggests that something has the option to remain in a location or condition.

may stay behind

Focuses on the aspect of not being taken along or remaining in the past.

might be forgotten

Highlights the potential for something to slip from memory or be disregarded.

may be disregarded

Emphasizes the possibility that something is overlooked or ignored.

might be marooned

Implies a state of being stranded or isolated, often unexpectedly.

FAQs

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

You can use "could be left" to express a possibility or potential outcome. For example, "If the project fails, many employees "could be left" without jobs."

What are some alternatives to "could be left"?

Depending on the context, alternatives to "could be left" include "might remain", "may be abandoned", or "can be left".

Is it correct to say "could be leave" instead of "could be left"?

No, "could be leave" is grammatically incorrect. The correct form is "could be left", which uses the past participle of the verb "to leave".

What's the difference between "could be left" and "should be left"?

"Could be left" indicates a possibility, while "should be left" suggests an obligation or recommendation. For example, "The decision "could be left" to the manager" implies the manager can make the decision. "The decision "should be left" to the manager" implies the manager ought to make the decision.