get left behind

USAGE SUMMARY

"get left behind" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is usually used in the context of someone or something being left behind to fall behind or be forgotten as a result. For example, "He could not keep up with the rest of the class and was in danger of getting left behind."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

To get left behind is to fail.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

If you get left behind, tough.

The Guardian

"We don't want these groups to get left behind again.

The Guardian

"The biggest reason is that magazines don't want to get left behind," he said.

The New York Times

"We need to ensure that people don't get left behind," he said.

The New York Times

The ones that aren't will get left behind and replaced.

BBC

"Good Guy's Get Left Behind" is a love song, that features multiple twists and turns.

Wikipedia

We lose and get left behind by someone, in some way.

Huffington Post

Don't get left behind.

The New York Times

Get with it or get left behind.

The Economist

Or trying not to get left behind.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "get left behind" to describe situations where progress or change leaves some individuals, groups, or entities at a disadvantage. It's particularly effective when discussing technological advancements, societal shifts, or competitive environments.

Common error

Avoid using "get left behind" in active voice constructions. It inherently implies a passive experience, where someone or something is being acted upon, rather than initiating the action.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "get left behind" functions as a passive verb phrase, indicating a state of being surpassed or neglected due to lack of progress or adaptation. Ludwig's examples showcase its use in various contexts, from technology to personal development.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Wiki

10%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

2%

Social Media

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "get left behind" is a common idiom used to express the risk of being surpassed or forgotten due to a failure to adapt or keep pace with progress. Ludwig AI confirms that this phrase is grammatically correct and widely used. Its primary function is to serve as a cautionary message, urging proactive engagement with change and innovation. As demonstrated in the examples, it appears most frequently in News & Media, reflecting its relevance to discussions about societal trends, technological advancements, and competitive dynamics. To avoid "getting left behind", remember to continuously learn and adapt in both professional and personal contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

fall behind

Focuses on the action of lagging or declining in progress.

lag behind

Highlights the state of being slow or delayed compared to others.

be surpassed

Emphasizes being overtaken or exceeded in achievement.

be overtaken

Stresses the act of being passed or outstripped by someone or something.

be outpaced

Similar to 'be overtaken' but implies a faster rate of progress by others.

miss the boat

Highlights a missed opportunity or failing to adapt to new trends.

lose ground

Emphasizes the loss of progress or advantage.

be marginalized

Focuses on being pushed to the edge or treated as insignificant.

be excluded

Stresses being left out or prevented from participating.

become obsolete

Focuses on becoming outdated or no longer relevant.

FAQs

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

You can use "get left behind" to describe a situation where someone or something fails to keep pace with progress or change. For example, "If you don't adapt to the new technology, you'll "get left behind"".

What are some alternatives to saying "get left behind"?

You can use alternatives such as "fall behind", "be surpassed", or "miss the boat" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

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

"Get left behind" implies more of a process or gradual decline, while "be left behind" is a more static statement of being in that state. The choice depends on whether you want to emphasize the action of falling behind or the resulting state.

What does it mean to "get left behind" in the context of technology?

In the context of technology, to ""get left behind"" means that you are not adopting or adapting to new technological advancements, which can lead to being less competitive or efficient. For example, a business that doesn't adopt cloud computing might "get left behind".