it has been left

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it has been left" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate that something has been abandoned, not taken, or remains in a particular place. Example: "The package has been left at the front door for you to collect."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Opinion

Travel

Lifestyle

Arts

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

But it has been left to me".

The Guardian - Sport

It has been left behind by social developments.

The Guardian - Opinion

It has been left as a "homage to the barbarians".

The Guardian - Travel

It has been left fallow, and preserved for centuries.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

But for the most part it has been left to volunteers.

Independent

But since the last mine closed in the 1980s it has been left to degenerate.

The Economist

Freud no longer works in the fifth-floor attic, but it has been left untouched.

The Guardian - Arts

I mix rage with sadness for the next generation, and the inheritance it has been left.

The Guardian - Opinion

But it has been left to Mrs. Polum to carry out the decisions.

The New York Times

It has been left, instead, to others to pick up the fragments.

The Guardian - Sport

It has been left for two British Museum curators to represent the UK.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it has been left" when you want to emphasize a lack of action or intervention, suggesting that a situation remains unchanged because no one has addressed it.

Common error

Avoid using "it has been left" when an active voice construction would be clearer and more direct. Overusing passive voice can make your writing sound weak or evasive.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it has been left" typically functions as part of a passive construction. It indicates that an action (leaving) has been performed on a subject, and the subject is now in a specific state as a result. Ludwig provides numerous examples of this usage across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

77%

Opinion

5%

Travel

2%

Less common in

Lifestyle

2%

Arts

2%

Science

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it has been left" is a versatile and frequently used construction, as confirmed by Ludwig's extensive collection of examples. It primarily functions as part of a passive construction, communicating that something remains in a specific state due to a lack of action or intervention. As noted by Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely applicable across various writing styles, particularly in news and media. For clearer and more direct communication, consider whether an active voice would be more suitable. Remember to provide context to avoid ambiguity when using this phrase.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it was abandoned

Focuses on the act of abandonment, emphasizing a deliberate choice to leave something behind.

it was left undone

Emphasizes the lack of completion or fulfillment of a task or duty.

it was forsaken

Implies a more profound sense of abandonment, often with emotional or moral undertones.

it was neglected

Highlights the lack of care or attention given to something, leading to its current state.

it was relegated

Suggests a demotion or assignment to a less important position or role.

it fell by the wayside

Suggests that something was abandoned or forgotten along the way, often due to difficulties or challenges.

it was handed over

Emphasizes the transfer of responsibility or control to someone else.

it was entrusted

Highlights the act of giving trust or responsibility to someone.

it was defaulted

Focuses on failure to act where action was required.

it remains

Indicates that something is still in a particular state or location.

FAQs

How can I use "it has been left" in a sentence?

You can use "it has been left" to indicate that something remains in a particular state or place, often implying a lack of action or intervention. For example, "The decision "it has been left" to the local authorities".

What are some alternatives to "it has been left"?

You can use alternatives like "it was abandoned", "it remains", or "it was neglected" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to use active or passive voice with "it has been left"?

While "it has been left" is grammatically correct, consider whether using an active voice construction would make your sentence clearer and more direct. Overuse of the passive voice can make writing sound weak or evasive.

What does "it has been left" imply?

The phrase ""it has been left"" often implies that something has been neglected, abandoned, or that no one has taken responsibility for it. The specific implication depends on the context.