is left

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is left" is a perfectly valid and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when referring to something that remains after all other parts have gone. For example: "After they took all the decorations down, only a few strands of garland is left."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

"Now one is left".

The Economist

So, who is left?

The New York Times

So what is left?

The Economist

What is left?

The New York Times

What impression is left?

The New Yorker

WWE is left to scramble.

Independent

"Justice Scalia: What is left?

The New York Times

But what else is left?

The Economist

But much is left undone.

The New York Times

Gobelet is left behind, weeping.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

But perhaps God is left-handed.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "is left", ensure that the subject clearly indicates what remains after something has been removed or consumed. For example, "After the party, only a few crumbs of cake is left."

Common error

A common mistake is to use "is left" with a plural subject. Ensure that you use "are left" when referring to multiple items. For example, say "There are only a few apples are left", not "There is only a few apples is left."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is left" primarily functions as a verb phrase indicating a state of being or remaining. It describes what persists or exists after a process of depletion, removal, or change. This is supported by Ludwig, which provides numerous examples of its usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Wiki

20%

Science

9%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "is left" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to indicate what remains after something has occurred. Ludwig's AI confirms its validity, offering numerous examples from diverse sources like news media, wikis, and scientific publications. While it can appear in various registers, it is most frequently found in news and media. Remember to use "is left" with singular subjects and "are left" with plural subjects to avoid grammatical errors. Consider alternatives like "remains" or "is remaining" for variety.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is all that remains

Emphasizes that nothing else is present, only this particular thing.

remains

Focuses on the portion that still exists or is available.

is remaining

Highlights the ongoing state of something still present.

is still present

Directly states the continued presence of something.

endures

Stresses the persistence or lasting quality of what exists.

continues to exist

Emphasizes the uninterrupted existence of something from the past.

is what's available

Highlights the current options that can be used

persists

Implies a continued existence, often against some form of opposition.

survives

Implies a difficult situation that something has overcome.

is carried over

Specifies what exactly is moving from the initial situation.

FAQs

How can I use "is left" in a sentence?

Use "is left" to describe what remains after something has been used, consumed, or removed. For example, "Only one slice of pizza is left" or "After the flood, little is left of the town".

What's the difference between "is left" and "are left"?

"Is left" is used with singular subjects, while "are left" is used with plural subjects. For example, "The book is left on the table" versus "The books are left on the table".

What can I say instead of "is left"?

You can use alternatives like "remains", "is remaining", or "is all that remains" depending on the context.

Is it grammatically correct to say "nothing is left"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct. "Nothing" is a singular pronoun, so it correctly pairs with "is left". For instance, "After the fire, nothing is left of the building".