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Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak

CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com

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get left

Grammar usage guide and real-world examples

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "get left" is a correct and usable part of a sentence in written English.
It is a colloquial expression that means to be left behind or left out of something. Example: After the bus pulled away, I realized I had forgotten my bag and had gotten left at the station.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Don't get left behind.

News & Media

The New York Times

Get with it or get left behind.

News & Media

The Economist

To get left behind is to fail.

"The ones in between get left out".

News & Media

The New York Times

Or trying not to get left behind.

Didn't get left pad down.

"He did get left behind.

News & Media

The Guardian

They often get left out.

News & Media

The Guardian

5) Don't get left behind.

The have-nots get left behind.

Show more...

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

You get left-handed versions of right-handed drugs.

News & Media

HuffPost

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "get left" to convey the risk of inaction or failure to adapt, especially in competitive situations such as business or technological advancements. For example, "Companies that don't innovate risk getting left behind".

Common error

Avoid using "get left" in situations where a simple passive voice construction is more appropriate. For instance, instead of "The report got left on the desk", use "The report was left on the desk".

Antonio Rotolo, PhD - Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

Antonio Rotolo, PhD

Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

Source & Trust

87%

Authority and reliability

4.5/5

Expert rating

Real-world application tested

Linguistic Context

The phrase "get left" functions as a passive construction indicating a state or condition resulting from an action. It implies being abandoned or excluded. As Ludwig AI states, it's a colloquial expression meaning to be left behind.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Academia

8%

Science

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Wiki

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "get left" is a common and versatile expression used to convey the idea of being excluded, abandoned, or failing to keep pace. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically sound and widely understood. Predominantly found in News & Media, the phrase serves to highlight the consequences of inaction or lack of adaptation. While "get left" is suitable for most neutral contexts, writers should be mindful of potentially more precise alternatives like "be left behind" or "fall behind", depending on the desired nuance. By understanding its function, purpose, and typical contexts, writers can effectively use "get left" to communicate their intended message.

FAQs

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

You can use "get left" to describe the consequence of not keeping up with trends or failing to take necessary actions. For example, "If you don't adapt to the new technology, you'll "get left behind"".

What are some alternatives to "get left"?

Alternatives include "be left behind", "fall behind", or "be excluded", depending on the specific context you want to convey.

What does it mean to "get left behind"?

To "get left behind" means to fail to keep pace with progress, innovation, or competition, resulting in being disadvantaged or forgotten. It often implies negative consequences for inaction or lack of adaptation.

Is it better to say "get left behind" or "be left behind"?

Both "get left behind" and "be left behind" are correct and have similar meanings. The choice between them often depends on personal preference or the specific nuance you want to convey. "Get left behind" can sometimes imply a more active sense of failing to keep up.

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Source & Trust

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Authority and reliability

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Expert rating

Real-world application tested

Most frequent sentences: