has been left with

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "has been left with" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to someone who is left with something after a situation or event has taken place. For example: "The family has been left with a mountain of debt after their father's medical bills."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Love has been left with thick scars.

The Guardian

But he has been left with more questions than ever.

The New York Times

He has been left with an aggressive allergy to fraudulence, duplicity and bunk.

The New York Times - Books

She has been left with nine grandchildren to take care of.

Independent

He added that he has been left with a crippling headache and a bruised back.

Independent

"After losing not one but two families, he has been left with nothing.

The Guardian

Absent sufficient resources, the subway has been left with diminished ambitions and empty spectacles.

The New York Times - Magazine

GE has been left with more turbines than it has buyers.

The Washington Post

So Kidd has been left with the ball in the closing quarter.

The New York Times - Sports

PRESIDENT MUSHARRAF, on the other hand, has been left with a reputation for clumsiness.

The New York Times

Trenton has been left with no movie theater, no general bookstore, and no department store.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "has been left with", ensure the context clearly establishes the cause or event that led to the resulting situation. This helps the reader understand the full impact of the phrase.

Common error

Avoid using "has been left with" when an active voice construction would be more direct and impactful. For instance, instead of "The city has been left with a large debt", consider "The city now carries a large debt."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "has been left with" primarily functions as a passive voice construction, indicating that someone or something is experiencing the consequence or result of a prior action or event. Ludwig confirms the grammatical correctness of the expression.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Formal & Business

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "has been left with" is a versatile construction used to describe the consequences or results of a prior event. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically sound and widely applicable. It often carries a neutral tone, suitable for news, formal reports, and general discussions, but the nuance can shift depending on the context, from negative burdens to positive gains. Remember to consider the implications of using a passive construction and whether an active voice would provide more clarity or impact. Explore alternative phrases to fine-tune your writing and convey the precise shade of meaning you desire. The phrase's frequency and widespread usage across reputable sources underscores its importance for accurate and effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

has ended up with

Focuses more on the final state or outcome after a process or event.

has resulted in

Emphasizes the causal relationship between an action and its consequence.

now possesses

Highlights the current state of ownership or possession.

is now burdened by

Implies a negative consequence or hardship resulting from a situation.

is now faced with

Focuses on the challenges or difficulties that must be confronted as a result.

finds oneself with

Emphasizes the unexpected or unintentional nature of the situation.

is stuck with

Suggests a lack of choice or control over the resulting situation.

inherits

Implies receiving something as a consequence of succession or legacy.

is bequeathed

A more formal or literary alternative to "inherits".

is consigned to

Emphasizes a forced or predetermined outcome.

FAQs

How can I use "has been left with" in a sentence?

Use "has been left with" to describe the result of an action or event, typically implying a lasting impact. For instance, "After the storm, the town "has been left with" widespread damage".

What are some alternatives to "has been left with"?

You can use alternatives like "has resulted in", "has ended up with", or "is now faced with" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to use "has been left with" or a more active construction?

It depends on the context. "Has been left with" is passive and emphasizes the result. An active construction might be more suitable if you want to emphasize the actor or the cause of the result.

Can "has been left with" have positive connotations?

While often used to describe negative consequences, "has been left with" can also describe positive outcomes. For example, "The company "has been left with" a substantial profit after the merger".