if there is anything left

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "if there is anything left" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when inquiring about the remaining quantity or availability of something. Example: "Please check the pantry and let me know if there is anything left for dinner."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

16 human-written examples

If there is anything left of the Palestinian national movement for independence, it better act now to rescue itself.

The New York Times

Save for your own retirement and, then, if there is anything left, put something aside for them.

The New York Times

Nonetheless, many blacks, including members of his own generation, may wonder if there is anything left, as Touré discovered one terrible night in college.

The New York Times - Books

It's a desperate time and we don't really know what else we can do to try and stop this, if there is anything left we can do.

The Guardian

If there is anything left in the budget, I head back to the fruit aisle and then the tinned fruit department, to see what I can pick up.

The Guardian - Money

If there is anything left in our growing nanny state that Americans might be expected to manage on their own, without government say-so or oversight, surely it should be cooking and eating.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

44 human-written examples

"Wine, too, if there's anything left over".

The New York Times - Magazine

It wasn't as if there was anything left to achieve.

The Guardian - Sport

If there was anything left in the Universe worth mocking, it would be you.

Nature

The BBC and NHS would then claim against the estate if there was anything left after other victims had been compensated.

The Guardian

The latter seems to be exhausted; we'll see if there's anything left in the former.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When posing a question about what remains, follow the phrase "if there is anything left" with a specific detail about what you're inquiring about. For instance: "If there is anything left, could you save it for me?"

Common error

While grammatically sound, "if there is anything left" can sound informal in certain business or academic contexts. Opt for more formal alternatives like "if anything remains" or "should anything be available" in those situations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "if there is anything left" functions as a conditional clause. It introduces a condition that needs to be met for the main clause to be valid. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

47%

Wiki

22%

Science

11%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Academia

4%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "if there is anything left" is a grammatically correct and commonly used conditional phrase that functions to inquire about the remaining quantity or availability of something. Ludwig AI validates its correctness and widespread use. While appropriate in most contexts, more formal alternatives might be preferable in professional or academic settings. The phrase appears most frequently in news and media sources. When using this phrase, ensure to provide specific context about what you are asking about. Consider alternatives such as "if anything remains" or "if there's anything available" to suit different registers and nuances.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

if there's anything remaining

Focuses on the act of something still being present.

if anything remains

A more concise and slightly more formal way to inquire about what's left.

if there's anything available

Emphasizes the possibility of something being accessible or obtainable.

if anything is still there

Highlights the persistence of something in its place.

assuming anything is left

Expresses a degree of doubt about the existence of anything remaining.

in the event anything remains

Introduces a formal condition regarding what might be left.

should anything be left

Presents a hypothetical situation where something might still exist.

if there's a surplus

Specifically refers to an excess or overabundance.

if any is leftover

Highlights that something has not been consumed or used.

if there's a remainder

Implies a mathematical or quantifiable amount that is left.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "if there is anything left" to sound more formal?

For more formal contexts, you can use alternatives such as "if anything remains" or "should anything be left" depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

What's a simpler way to say "if there is anything left"?

Simpler alternatives include "if there's anything remaining" or "if anything is still there", which are more conversational.

In what situations is it appropriate to use "if there is anything left"?

The phrase is suitable in a wide range of situations, from informal conversations about leftover food to more formal inquiries about remaining resources. However, consider using more formal alternatives in professional or academic settings.

How does "if there is anything left" differ from "assuming anything is left"?

"If there is anything left" is a neutral inquiry, while "assuming anything is left" implies a degree of doubt or skepticism about the existence of anything remaining.