leaving it behind

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "leaving it behind" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to the act of moving on from something or no longer being affected by it. Example: "After years of struggling with her past, she finally felt ready to start fresh, leaving it behind."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Opinion

Books

Arts

Health

Money

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

Suggestions that BT needs an internet portal to catch up on the European rivals that seem to be leaving it behind, in spite of its early start in the privatisation stakes, brought some support for Freeserve and its parent Dixons.

The Guardian - Money

For others, leaving it behind is easier.

The New York Times - Health

Leaving it behind will be a symbolic move for me.

The Guardian - Opinion

Living in the past is hard; leaving it behind can be harder.

The New Yorker

As for her supersize clothesline, she's leaving it behind, a victim of downscaling.

The New York Times

"When she was dying, she told me she was glad she was leaving it behind, this body of work.

The Guardian

But it was so heavy that I ended up leaving it behind because we had to be careful about weight when we were travelling around the world with our bags.

The Guardian - Books

As much as "The Foundation" is about the South, it's also about leaving it behind, a preoccupation with escape that Kenny Chesney (and, by extension, Jimmy Buffett) has long woven into country music.

The New York Times - Arts

Packing all that up and leaving it behind was a scary thought".

BBC

You might have found yourself in a well-paid and highly respected position; even if you're unhappy in the role, leaving it behind can be a daunting task".

BBC

Perhaps, though he's set on leaving it behind, that's where Aiken's background as an entertainer can set him apart.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "leaving it behind" to convey a sense of finality when ending a chapter of your life or moving beyond a specific problem. It implies a conscious decision to not dwell on the past.

Common error

Avoid using "leaving it behind" when you simply mean forgetting something temporarily. This phrase suggests a more permanent and intentional act of moving on.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "leaving it behind" typically functions as a gerund phrase, often acting as a noun. It describes the act of abandoning or moving on from something, as evidenced by Ludwig's examples. The Ludwig AI also confirms the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

36%

Wiki

12%

Opinion

7%

Less common in

Books

7%

Arts

5%

Health

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "leaving it behind" is a versatile and frequently used expression that conveys the act of moving on from something, be it a past experience, a place, or an object. It functions grammatically as a gerund phrase and is generally considered correct and usable. According to Ludwig, this idiom’s register is mostly neutral, and it's commonly found in various contexts, especially in News & Media. While there are several semantically related alternatives, such as "moving past it" and "putting it behind you", each carries its own subtle nuance. When using "leaving it behind", ensure you're conveying a sense of finality and intentionality, rather than simple forgetfulness. The phrase carries a strong connotation of moving on from something difficult and not wanting to revisit it. Ludwig's examples provide a broad demonstration of its uses in many contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

putting it behind you

Suggests a conscious effort to distance oneself from something.

moving past it

Focuses on progression and overcoming something.

walking away from it

Emphasizes the act of physically or metaphorically distancing oneself.

abandoning it

Emphasizes the act of completely forsaking or giving up something.

discarding it

Implies that something is no longer useful or valuable and is being disposed of.

getting over it

Highlights the emotional aspect of recovering from a difficult experience.

forsaking it

Indicates a deliberate and often permanent abandonment.

relinquishing it

Implies a formal or willing surrender of something.

surpassing it

Focuses on exceeding or outdoing something, often in a competitive sense.

outgrowing it

Suggests that something is no longer suitable or relevant due to personal growth.

FAQs

What does "leaving it behind" mean?

The phrase "leaving it behind" means to move on from something, whether it's a past experience, a place, or an object, with the intention of not returning to it or being influenced by it again.

How can I use "leaving it behind" in a sentence?

You can use "leaving it behind" to describe a conscious decision to move on from a situation. For example, "After years of struggling with debt, she finally managed to "put it behind her" and start fresh."

What's a more formal alternative to "leaving it behind"?

A more formal alternative to "leaving it behind" could be "relinquishing it" or "forsaking it", depending on the context. These phrases convey a more deliberate and often permanent act of abandonment.

When is it appropriate to use "moving past it" instead of "leaving it behind"?

While both phrases suggest moving on, "moving past it" often implies a process of overcoming a challenge or obstacle, whereas "leaving it behind" suggests a more definitive act of separation or abandonment. Choose "moving past it" when you want to emphasize growth and progress.