it only leaves

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it only leaves" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing the consequences or results of a situation, often implying that something is left behind or remains after other elements have been removed or considered. Example: "After the storm passed, it only leaves a mess to clean up."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

Now, of my threescore years and ten, Twenty will not come again, And take from seventy springs a score, It only leaves me fifty more.

The New York Times

But, said Patrick Keller of the Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung (KAS) in Berlin: "I think strategic tensions with Greece will kick in even if it only leaves the euro".

The Guardian

It only leaves me even more puzzled by the appeal, for him, of blockbuster roles in action movies such as X-Men.

The Guardian - Film

With Quentin Tarantino's Django Unchained and Ben Affleck's correctenjoyable thriller Argo expectant, it only leaves Steven Spielberg's Lincoln and Paul Thomas Anderson's The Master in the traditional berth of serious, adult-skewed pictures that have traditionally dominated Oscar nominations.

The Guardian - Film

Suggestive as these thoughts may be, it only leaves a gap into which the wedge of panpsychism might be inserted.

SEP

It only leaves military options.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

To Didion's exasperation, it only left us wanting more.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Warnings were issued to the vessel, which is said to have used a fake name and call sign, but it only left after radioing back that it was in Spanish waters, the Gibraltar Chronicle reported.

Independent

It only left the @facebook.com addresses it assigned everyone visible, so that's what got synced by iOS 6.

TechCrunch

It only left a few weeks for buyers to enjoy the new models, as opposed to the February announcement last year.

TechCrunch

Follow BrIttany Julious on Twitter.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it only leaves" to clearly express the remaining outcome or consequence after considering other factors. For instance, "After all the expenses, it only leaves a small profit."

Common error

Avoid using "it only leaves" in overly complex sentences where simpler, more direct phrasing would improve clarity. Instead of "Considering all the alternatives and dismissing those with obvious flaws, it only leaves this option", try "Only this option remains after considering the alternatives".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it only leaves" functions as a resultative expression, indicating what remains or is caused by a preceding action or condition. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is usable in written English to discuss consequences, highlighting what's left behind after other elements are considered.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Wiki

25%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it only leaves" is a grammatically sound and usable expression, as confirmed by Ludwig AI, that functions to highlight the result or consequence of a situation. While "it only leaves" is adaptable across various registers, Ludwig’s analysis reveals it's most frequently used in News & Media. Common alternatives include "it simply results in" or "it merely causes", though the best choice depends on the specific context. Understanding its purpose helps ensure clear and effective communication. Using it effectively involves avoiding overly complex sentences, ensuring clarity in writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it simply results in

Replaces "leaves" with "results in", focusing on the outcome.

it merely causes

Substitutes "leaves" with "causes", emphasizing the action's effect.

it just generates

Uses "generates" instead of "leaves", highlighting the creation of something as a result.

it solely produces

Emphasizes the exclusive nature of the outcome by using "solely produces".

it uniquely creates

Highlights the distinctiveness of the result with "uniquely creates".

it alone dictates

Uses "alone dictates" to underscore the single determining factor.

it uniquely determines

Highlights the single determining effect.

it exclusively begets

A more formal alternative using "begets" to indicate causation.

it singularly engenders

Replaces "leaves" with "engenders", stressing the origination of the result.

it particularly precipitates

Emphasizes the quickness of the result with "precipitates".

FAQs

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

Use "it only leaves" to indicate the remaining option, result, or consequence after a process of elimination or deduction. For example, "After deducting the expenses, "it only leaves" a small profit".

What are some alternatives to "it only leaves"?

Alternatives include phrases like "it simply results in", "it merely causes", or "it just generates", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "it only leaves" grammatically correct?

Yes, "it only leaves" is grammatically correct and commonly used to express a remaining outcome or consequence. It follows standard English sentence structure.

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

"It only leaves" suggests a factual statement of what remains, whereas "it merely leaves" implies that the outcome is insignificant or not substantial.