he leaves behind

USAGE SUMMARY

"he leaves behind" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to something someone either has left behind or will leave behind in the future. Example: When he moves to the city, he leaves behind his small hometown and all his friends.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He leaves behind 2 sons.

The Guardian - Sport

He leaves behind three sons and a daughter.

Independent

But the Met he leaves behind is a marvel.

The New York Times - Arts

The plays he leaves behind are an enduring legacy".

The Guardian

He leaves behind iconic work.

The New York Times

He leaves behind many cherished employees.

The New York Times

He leaves behind a substantial musical legacy.

The New York Times

He leaves behind his wife Frances (Weiss).

The New York Times

He leaves behind an impressive wake of gadgets and devices.

Agricultural and Forest Meteorology

He leaves behind no family.

The New York Times

He leaves behind four brothers.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Using "he leaves behind" is especially powerful in obituaries and commemorative pieces. Ensure that the information which follows this phrase is accurate and reflects the individual's most significant relationships or contributions.

Common error

Avoid using "he leaves behind" in contexts where abandonment is implied, unless that is the intended meaning. This phrase typically carries a sense of legacy or remembrance, not of neglect.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "he leaves behind" typically functions as a verbal phrase that introduces what remains or is affected by someone's departure or death. It sets the stage for detailing a person's legacy, family, or contributions. Ludwig AI confirms the correctness and usability of the phrase.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

25%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "he leaves behind" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to describe what remains after someone's departure, typically in contexts of death or significant change. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness. It often introduces details about a person's family, legacy, or contributions, and is commonly found in news, media, scientific, and formal business contexts. While generally neutral in tone, it's important to use it carefully to avoid implying abandonment. Alternatives such as "he is survived by" or "he leaves as a legacy" can be used to fine-tune the meaning based on the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

he leaves as a legacy

Highlights the lasting impact or contribution.

he is survived by

Focuses specifically on those who outlive the person, primarily family.

he leaves in his wake

Emphasizes the consequences or impact of one's actions.

he bequeaths

Implies a formal passing down of possessions or legacy.

he departs leaving

Highlights the act of leaving and what remains after departure.

he passes on his heritage

Specifically refers to cultural or familial heritage.

he entrusts to posterity

Focuses on what is being passed down for future generations.

he endows with

Highlights a positive contribution or gift left behind.

he creates a void

Emphasizes the absence and the impact of his departure.

he abandons

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

FAQs

How to use "he leaves behind" in a sentence?

The phrase "he leaves behind" is used to describe what a person has left after their departure or death, such as relationships, legacies, or possessions. For example, "He leaves behind a loving family" or "He leaves behind a legacy of innovation".

What can I say instead of "he leaves behind"?

You can use alternatives like "he is survived by", "he bequeaths", or "he leaves as a legacy" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "he leaves behind" or "he left behind"?

Both phrases are correct, but they are used in different tenses. "He leaves behind" is present tense, often used in obituaries or when discussing ongoing legacies. "He left behind" is past tense, used to describe what someone left at a specific point in the past.

What's the difference between "he leaves behind" and "he abandons"?

"He leaves behind" generally has a neutral or positive connotation, referring to legacies, family, or accomplishments. "He abandons", however, implies a negative action of deserting someone or something.