leave something behind

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "leave something behind" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to the act of not taking something with you when you depart from a place or situation. Example: "I realized I had left my keys behind when I got to the car."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

Visitors can leave something behind, too.

The New York Times

Go to leave something behind.

The Guardian - Music

I want to leave something behind.

The New Yorker

Let's at least leave something behind".

The Guardian

"They want to leave something behind," the Cadet said.

The New York Times

"They have to help us and leave something behind.

The New York Times - Travel

Penguins in Antarctica leave something behind as well.

The New York Times - Science

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

4 human-written examples

There is a subtext here that seems to signify an act of leaving something behind, moving on without looking back.

Cornell University

"If somebody was in there, they left something behind," the official said.

The New York Times

"The play is really about mortality and leaving something behind," he told The Times during an interview on the occasion of the Chinese production.

The New York Times

"It looks like someone left something behind," his colleague Tony Cummins said, reaching into the back and picking up a pair of socks.

Harvard Business Review

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "leave something behind" to describe a legacy, consider specifying what that 'something' is to make your meaning more concrete and impactful. For example, instead of "He wanted to leave something behind", try "He wanted to leave behind a collection of his writings."

Common error

Avoid using "leave something behind" in contexts where the 'something' is expected to be negative. The phrase often implies a positive contribution or legacy, so using it for negative consequences can be misleading. For example, instead of "The scandal left something behind", it's better to say "The scandal left a trail of distrust".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "leave something behind" primarily functions as a verb phrase. It typically involves an action (leaving) and an object (something) that remains after the action. As shown in Ludwig, this often suggests a deliberate act of creating a lasting impact or legacy.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Academia

15%

Science

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "leave something behind" is a common and versatile expression often used to convey the idea of creating a legacy, making a lasting contribution, or simply forgetting an item. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and widely used across various contexts. Predominantly found in news and media, but also prevalent in academic settings, its register remains generally neutral, adapting to both formal and informal communication. To ensure clarity, specify what 'something' is when discussing legacy and be mindful of its positive connotation. Semantically related phrases include ""create a legacy"" and ""make a lasting contribution"", which can be used to add nuance to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

create a legacy

Focuses on the lasting impact or achievement one leaves.

make a lasting contribution

Emphasizes the positive impact and benefit to others.

bequeath to posterity

Suggests formally passing down something valuable to future generations.

leave an imprint

Highlights the lasting effect or mark one makes.

make one's mark

Focuses on achieving recognition and distinction.

build a monument

Implies creating something significant and enduring as a memorial.

establish a tradition

Centers on creating a practice or custom that continues after one's departure.

set an example

Focuses on providing a model for others to follow.

leave a trace

Suggests a minimal or subtle indication of one's presence or influence.

hand down

Implies passing on knowledge, skills, or possessions to the next generation.

FAQs

How can I use "leave something behind" in a sentence about legacy?

You can use "leave something behind" to express the desire to create a lasting impact. For example: "She worked tirelessly, hoping to "leave something behind" that would benefit future generations".

What's the difference between "leave something behind" and "make a difference"?

"Leave something behind" often implies creating a tangible or intangible legacy, while "make a difference" focuses on having a positive impact on people or situations.

Is "leave something behind" only used in the context of death or end of life?

No, ""leave something behind"" can be used in various contexts, such as leaving a job, a place, or a project, with the intention of having a lasting effect or contribution.

What are some alternative ways to say "I want to leave something behind"?

You can use alternatives like "I want to "create a legacy"", "I want to "make a lasting contribution"", or "I want to "leave an imprint"", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.