it leaves only

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it leaves only" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate that something remains or is left after other elements have been removed or considered. Example: "After the storm passed, it leaves only debris scattered across the yard."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

14 human-written examples

And for Israel it leaves only question marks about its future neighbours to the south.

BBC

When it does not work, it leaves only bitterness.

Independent

It leaves only the possibility of milder sanctions perhaps forcing the firms to cover smokers' quitting costs or to submit to yet more restrictions on marketing.

The Economist

Debussy perceptively called him "le terroriste Nijinsky": ecstasy is an explosion, a displacement of air like the leaps of a dancer, and it leaves only aching emptiness behind.

The Guardian - Books

It leaves only one voice (and why do I imagine Etonian vowels?) shouting louder than any others that Shakespeare is the best, and that he is "ours".

The Guardian

It leaves only Robbie Chater and Tony DiBlasi to deal with more than a decade's worth of fervent myth-building, the kind of which delivered Guns N' Roses' Chinese Democracy its ultimate kiss of death.

The Guardian - Music

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

44 human-written examples

When Mr. Cash died in 1994, it left only Bobby Frank Cherry and Thomas E. Blanton Jr.

The New York Times

But last year, American Home Products decided to stop making it, leaving only Abbott Laboratories to supply the injectable drug.

The New York Times

After Christianity's victory over Greco-Roman religions, it left only the ruins of paganism still remaining.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Coming off the Queensboro Bridge, on First Avenue in Manhattan, fans had strayed so far into the street that it left only a narrow pathway for the marathoners.

The New York Times - Sports

The force of the impact was such that it left only small pieces of debris and bodies scattered over two hectares.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "it leaves only", ensure that the subject and the remaining element are clearly defined to avoid ambiguity. For example, instead of "the process failed, it leaves only questions", clarify it as "the failed process leaves only questions about the next steps".

Common error

Avoid using "it leaves only" when multiple outcomes are possible or likely. This phrase suggests a single, definitive result. If there are several possible outcomes, consider using phrases like "it can lead to" or "it may result in".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it leaves only" functions as a resultative expression, indicating the singular remaining consequence or outcome after a process or event. Ludwig examples show its use in diverse contexts, from political analysis to personal reflections, emphasizing the exclusive nature of the result.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

24%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

4%

Formal & Business

4%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it leaves only" is a grammatically sound and frequently employed expression used to emphasize the singular, remaining outcome of an event or action. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and utility across diverse contexts. Predominantly found in news and media, and scientific writing, the phrase maintains a neutral register suitable for both formal and informal communication. When using "it leaves only", be mindful to clearly define the subject and the remaining element to avoid ambiguity and ensure the phrase accurately reflects the singular result.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it results solely in

Replaces 'leaves' with 'results', emphasizing the outcome or consequence, and 'only' with 'solely', reinforcing exclusivity.

it solely produces

Similar to 'results', 'produces' highlights the creation or generation of something as the sole outcome.

it solely generates

Focuses on the creation, with a slightly more active connotation than 'produces'.

it exclusively creates

Replaces 'leaves' with 'creates', focusing on the act of creation and 'only' with 'exclusively', to specify that nothing else happens.

it boils down merely to

This idiom suggests that after simplification or analysis, the situation is reduced to just one element.

it reduces simply to

Highlights the simplification aspect, indicating a reduction to a single element.

nothing remains except

This version inverts the structure, emphasizing the absence of other things and the survival of just one thing.

all that's left is

A more informal way of expressing the remaining element or outcome.

the sole remainder is

Emphasizes that only one thing is left and is also slightly more formal.

it culminates simply in

Suggests the final result, with the end process being a particular outcome.

FAQs

How can I use "it leaves only" in a sentence?

Use "it leaves only" to indicate the single remaining outcome or result after a certain action or event. For example, "The fire destroyed everything; it leaves only ashes".

What can I say instead of "it leaves only"?

You can use alternatives like "it results solely in", "all that's left is", or "nothing remains except" depending on the context.

Is "it leaves only" formal or informal?

"It leaves only" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. The surrounding language and the specific situation will influence the overall tone.

What's the difference between "it leaves only" and "it simply leaves"?

"It leaves only" emphasizes that there is a single, exclusive outcome. "It simply leaves" suggests that the action of leaving is uncomplicated or straightforward, without necessarily implying exclusivity. For example, "it simply leaves a mark".