leave a mark

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'leave a mark' is correct and has been used in written English since at least the 1500s.
It is often used in the figurative sense, as in the sentence: "He was determined to leave his mark on the world." It can also be used more literally, as in: "He left a mark on the wall with a pen."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

That'll leave a mark.

The New York Times

Did Judson leave a mark?

The New Yorker

A. "That's gonna leave a mark".

The New York Times

Ouch, that's gonna leave a mark!

Harvard Business Review

That would leave a mark on anyone.

The Guardian

Even near misses can leave a mark.

The New York Times - Science

But the experiment did leave a mark, historically.

The New York Times - Sports

Make a sound, leave a mark, attach a note.

The New Yorker

"You want to leave a mark," he said.

The New York Times

It's going to leave a mark on her life forever.

The Guardian

It will leave a mark on my heart forever".

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "leave a mark" in a figurative sense, ensure the context clearly conveys the type of impact being made (e.g., positive, negative, significant, subtle).

Common error

While "leave a mark" is versatile, avoid overusing it in overly casual conversations where simpler alternatives like "make an impression" or "have an effect" might be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "leave a mark" functions primarily as a verb phrase, often used figuratively to describe the act of making a significant or lasting impact on something. Ludwig shows examples where the phrase is used to discuss impact on communities, individuals, and even abstract concepts like culture.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

7%

Academia

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "leave a mark" is a commonly used and grammatically sound phrase that signifies making a lasting impact. As Ludwig highlights, it is often used figuratively in News & Media but also in scientific, formal and informal contents. While generally versatile, be mindful of overly informal settings where simpler alternatives might be more appropriate. When using this phrase, ensure that the context clearly conveys the type of impact being made. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and frequent usage, making it a reliable choice for expressing influence and permanence.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

make an impression

Focuses on the act of creating a noticeable effect or impact, similar to leaving a mark.

have an impact

Emphasizes the effect or influence that something has, comparable to the consequence of leaving a mark.

leave an imprint

Uses 'imprint' as a metaphor for a lasting effect, emphasizing a lasting influence.

make a difference

Highlights the act of causing a change or improvement, akin to the positive connotation of leaving a mark.

make a lasting impression

Similar to 'make an impression', but more emphatic on how durable the impression is.

have a lasting impact

Emphasis on 'lasting' is what sets this phrase apart, conveying a longer, more permanent effect.

create a legacy

Stresses the idea of leaving something of lasting value or significance behind, like a more enduring version of leaving a mark.

leave a legacy

Similar to 'create a legacy', but places more emphasis on the act of departing and bequeathing something significant.

shape the future

Conveys agency in influencing long-term events or progress, implying a significant and lasting effect.

influence events

Broader term that indicates the ability to affect a particular course of actions or outcomes.

FAQs

What does it mean to "leave a mark"?

To "leave a mark" means to have a lasting impact or influence on something or someone. This can be positive or negative, depending on the context.

How can I use "leave a mark" in a sentence?

You can use "leave a mark" in a sentence like: "The new policy will "make an impression" on the company's culture" or "His actions "had a lasting impact" on the community".

What are some synonyms for "leave a mark"?

Synonyms for "leave a mark" include "make an impression", "have an impact", "make a difference", and "create a legacy".

Is it always positive to "leave a mark"?

No, "leave a mark" can have both positive and negative connotations. A negative example would be: "The scandal will "leave a stain" on his reputation forever".