it is left

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it is left" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate that something remains or has not been taken or used. Example: "After everyone took their share of the pizza, only one slice is left."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

So it is left to its own devices, while the world looks the other way.

The Economist

What if it is left?

The Guardian - Lifestyle

It is left to local trusts.

The Guardian

Now only half of it is left".

The Guardian - Lifestyle

It is left to be addressed on remand.

Cornell University

It is left on for 10 minutes, then rinsed off.

The New York Times - Health

Yet it is left to Pinto to take the heat.

Independent

So it is left to the people to celebrate.

Independent

The worst of it is left to the reader's imagination.

The Economist

It is left to Mr. Wasson to mediate.

The New York Times - Books

What happens if it is left facing up?

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "it is left", ensure the context clearly indicates what remains or to whom a responsibility is assigned. Clarity prevents ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "it is left" in situations where active voice would be more direct and clear. Overuse of passive voice can make writing sound weak or evasive.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it is left" primarily functions as a passive construction, often indicating what remains after a process or what responsibility is assigned. As seen in Ludwig, it commonly connects a situation to a resulting action or state.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

41%

Science

38%

Academia

9%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it is left" is a versatile passive construction frequently used to indicate what remains or to whom responsibility is assigned. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and widely used across diverse contexts, particularly in news, science, and academia. When writing, ensure the context clarifies what remains or who is responsible to avoid ambiguity. While the phrase is suitable for various registers, avoid overuse to maintain a clear and direct writing style.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it remains

This alternative emphasizes the state of something continuing to exist or be available.

it is remaining

This phrase highlights the ongoing aspect of something being left or staying behind.

it falls to

This suggests that a duty or responsibility is assigned or delegated to someone or something.

it is up to

This indicates that a decision or action is the responsibility of a specified party.

responsibility lies with

This phrase emphasizes where the obligation or accountability resides.

it's entrusted to

This suggests that something has been given to someone with a degree of trust or expectation.

it is assigned to

This highlights the act of delegating a task or duty to a specific entity.

it is delegated to

Similar to 'assigned', this emphasizes the act of passing on a responsibility or task.

the onus is on

This indicates that the burden or responsibility rests on a particular person or group.

it devolves to

This suggests that power or responsibility is passed down to a lower level or entity.

FAQs

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

Use "it is left" to indicate something remaining or a task assigned. For example, "After the meeting, it is left to the team to implement the changes".

What can I say instead of "it is left"?

Alternatives include "it remains", "it is up to", or "it falls to", depending on the nuance you wish to convey.

Is it better to say "it is left to" or "it is up to"?

Both are correct, but "it is left to" often implies a task or duty assigned, while "it is up to" suggests a decision or choice to be made.

What's the difference between "it is left" and "it was left"?

"It is left" refers to something remaining in the present, while "it was left" indicates something that remained in the past. For example, "It is left to him to decide" (present) versus "It was left to him to decide" (past).