have left

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "have left" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to indicate that someone or something has departed or is no longer present, often in the context of time or completion. Example: "They have left the building after the event concluded."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Many expatriates have left.

The Economist

"I'll have left already".

The New Yorker

And they have left.

The New Yorker

Not many have left.

The New York Times - Sports

I shouldn't have left.

The New York Times

Many have left.

The New York Times

"Their souls have left them".

The New York Times

They have left a heritage.

The New York Times - Arts

All that could have left.

The New York Times

Both have left ankle sprains.

The New York Times - Sports

It's all we have left".

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "have left" to clearly indicate that someone or something is no longer present, especially when focusing on the completion of the action of leaving.

Common error

Avoid using "have left" when the simple past tense "left" is more appropriate. Use "left" when the time of departure is specified and the present perfect is not needed.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "have left" functions as a present perfect verb phrase, indicating an action that started in the past and has relevance to the present. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage. This phrase commonly expresses completed actions or current states resulting from past departures.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

90%

Formal & Business

5%

Science

3%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

0.5%

Reference

0.5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "have left" is a common and grammatically sound verb phrase indicating a completed action with present relevance. Ludwig AI analysis confirms that the phrase is widely used across various contexts, particularly in News & Media, with a neutral register suitable for both formal and informal communication. Consider alternatives such as "have departed" or "have gone" depending on the desired nuance. Avoid using "have left" when the simple past tense "left" is more appropriate to prevent tense errors.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

have departed

Emphasizes a more formal or official departure.

have gone away

Focuses on the act of going away from a place.

have withdrawn

Suggests a retreat or removal from a situation or location.

have abandoned

Implies leaving something or someone behind, often with negative connotations.

have vacated

Highlights the act of making a place empty by leaving.

have moved on

Indicates a transition to a new phase or location.

have checked out

Often used in the context of leaving a hotel or other temporary accommodation.

have exited

A more formal term for leaving, often used in business or technical contexts.

are no longer here

Focuses on the absence of someone or something.

have disappeared

Suggests a sudden or mysterious departure.

FAQs

How do I use "have left" in a sentence?

Use "have left" to indicate that someone or something has departed or is no longer present. For example, "They "have left" the building" shows a completed action.

What can I say instead of "have left"?

You can use alternatives like "have departed", "have gone", or "are gone depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "have left" or "had left"?

Both are correct, but they have different meanings. "Have left" indicates a present perfect tense, while "had left" indicates a past perfect tense. Use "had left" when referring to an action completed before another point in the past.

What's the difference between "have left" and "left"?

"Have left" (present perfect) emphasizes the current state resulting from a past action, whereas "left" (simple past) emphasizes the action itself. For example, "They "have left"" implies they are currently not here, while "They left" simply states that they departed.