have left behind

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "have left behind" is correct and can be used in written English.
It can be used to refer to something that has been left behind in a physical or metaphorical sense. For example, "Many of my classmates have left behind their homes and families to pursue their educational goals."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Wiki

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

What you have left behind has dissolved.

The New Yorker

Those they have left behind are far worse off.

The Economist

Their perspective is different from the working-class families they have left behind".

Independent

He doesn't have what it takes to repair the budget mess that they have left behind".

The Guardian

These are among the stranger things that people have left behind in Ubers.

MIT Technology Review

I try to console myself that what I have left behind is a closed chapter.

The New York Times

"I have left behind fantastic players.

BBC

It's all local stuff kids have left behind".

BBC

The situation I have left behind in Yemen is very bad.

BBC

What sort of traces would the first predator have left behind?

BBC

What concerns me, however, is what the secular have left behind with religion.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "have left behind" to create a sense of nostalgia or regret when discussing past events or relationships.

Common error

Avoid using "have left behind" when a simple past tense like "left" is more appropriate. "Have left behind" implies a continuing relevance or impact of what was left.

Linguistic Context

"Have left behind" functions as a verb phrase in the present perfect tense, typically indicating an action completed at an unspecified time in the past that has relevance to the present. Ludwig AI confirms this usage is grammatically sound.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

47%

Science

20%

Wiki

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

9%

Academia

8%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, “have left behind” is a versatile phrase indicating something abandoned, bequeathed, or resulted. Ludwig AI confirms it's grammatically correct and frequently used. Its usage spans various contexts, from news and media to scientific research. The phrase is generally neutral in register, making it suitable for both formal and informal writing. When using “have left behind”, consider whether you are emphasizing a lasting impact or a simple past action. Remember that tense consistency is key for effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

abandoned

Focuses on the act of leaving something or someone with the intention of not returning or maintaining responsibility.

left as a legacy

Emphasizes that something will exist after a person is gone; inheritance.

bequeathed

Implies that something has been passed down or handed over, usually through inheritance.

deserted

Stresses the act of leaving someone or something without intending to return.

resulted in

Highlights the consequence or outcome of a prior action or event, focusing on the tangible effects or impact.

forsaken

Implies a complete abandonment or renunciation, often with negative connotations of neglect or rejection.

created

Emphasizes the production or origination of something, implying a novel output from a preceding effort.

generated

Indicates the production or creation of something, often as a result of a process or operation.

brought about

Focuses on causing something to happen or exist, often with an emphasis on initiating or instigating the event.

given rise to

Signifies the act of causing something to emerge or come into existence, often emphasizing the beginning or start of the event.

FAQs

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

You can use "have left behind" to describe something abandoned, a legacy, or unresolved issues. For example, "The retreating army "abandoned" vital supplies" or "The scandal "left as a legacy" of distrust".

What are some alternatives to "have left behind"?

Alternatives include "abandoned", "bequeathed", or "resulted in", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Which is correct, "have left behind" or "had left behind"?

"Have left behind" is present perfect, implying relevance to the present. "Had left behind" is past perfect, referring to something completed before another past action.

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

"Have left behind" implies a physical or metaphorical object or responsibility was abandoned. "Have forgotten" means something was lost from memory. They are not interchangeable.