leaving a legacy

USAGE SUMMARY

"leaving a legacy" is a correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It can be used to describe the act of leaving something behind for future generations, whether it be physical possessions, accomplishments, or an impact on society or the world. It can also refer to the lasting impression or influence a person has on others. Example: "Despite his passing, his philanthropic efforts will continue to positively impact the community, leaving a lasting legacy for years to come."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

The important thing is leaving a legacy while you can.

The New York Times - Sports

"There's a real focus on leaving a legacy.

The Guardian - Sport

That decade saw architects prick the horizon with concrete monoliths, leaving a legacy of misplaced bravado.

The Economist

The governor, she said, "is leaving a legacy greater than we could have possibly imagined".

The New York Times

He sees it as being true to a higher calling, leaving a legacy for his children.

The New York Times

We went to services the other night, and the rabbi's sermon was about leaving a legacy.

The New York Times

Chopin died in 1849, leaving a legacy of delicate, moody piano pieces.

The New York Times

One of the programmes he runs is called "leaving a legacy".

The Economist

The revenge drama of the seventeenth century has been described as leaving a legacy.

The Guardian

Do you feel that if you stopped now you would be leaving a legacy?

The New York Times - Magazine

Besides leaving a legacy of heroism, he left a legacy of confusion regarding his name.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "leaving a legacy", consider specifying the type of legacy you are referring to. For example, is it a legacy of innovation, philanthropy, or artistic achievement? This adds clarity and impact.

Common error

While "leaving a legacy" is generally acceptable, avoid overusing it in highly formal or academic writing. Consider more precise language to describe specific achievements or contributions.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "leaving a legacy" functions as a verbal phrase, often acting as a gerund or participle phrase. It describes the action of creating a lasting impact or contribution that will endure beyond one's lifetime. As Ludwig examples demonstrate, it's frequently used in biographical contexts or when discussing long-term goals.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Wiki

10%

Science

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "leaving a legacy" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe the act of making a lasting impact. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is used to convey the desire to create something that will endure beyond one's lifetime, often in a positive and meaningful way. This phrase frequently appears in news articles and general-interest publications. While it can be used in various contexts, specifying the type of legacy adds clarity. Related phrases, such as "bequeathing a heritage" or "making a significant contribution", can provide more specific nuances depending on the desired message.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

leaving behind a legacy

Similar in meaning, but adds emphasis.

making one's mark on history

Highlights the enduring recognition of one's actions.

creating a lasting impression

Emphasizes the impact on people's memories and perceptions.

enduring impact

Focuses solely on the prolonged effect of something.

making a significant contribution

Highlights the positive impact resulting from one's efforts.

bequeathing a heritage

Focuses on the formal act of passing down something of value, whether tangible or intangible.

shaping future generations

Focuses on influencing those who come after.

building a lasting foundation

Suggests creating something stable and enduring for others to build upon.

passing on a tradition

Highlights the act of transmitting customs and beliefs to the next generation.

establishing a tradition

Implies setting a precedent that others will follow.

FAQs

How can I use "leaving a legacy" in a sentence?

You can use "leaving a legacy" to describe the act of creating a lasting impact through your actions, such as "His philanthropic work is "leaving a legacy" of positive change in the community".

What's a more formal alternative to "leaving a legacy"?

For a more formal tone, consider using phrases like "bequeathing a heritage" or "establishing a lasting foundation" instead of "leaving a legacy".

Is it correct to say "leave a legacy" instead of "leaving a legacy"?

Both "leave a legacy" and "leaving a legacy" are grammatically correct, but they have slightly different nuances. "Leave a legacy" refers to the action in general, while "leaving a legacy" emphasizes the ongoing process or result of that action.

What are some concrete examples of "leaving a legacy"?

Examples of "leaving a legacy" include establishing a scholarship fund, developing a groundbreaking invention, or creating a lasting piece of art.