left a hole

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "left a hole" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
It is typically used to describe a physical or emotional gap or emptiness that has been caused by someone or something. Example: The sudden death of her husband left a hole in her heart that she thought would never be filled.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"You've left a hole and you pay".

The New York Times - Sports

You've left a hole in our hearts.

The New York Times

This change left a hole in US defense strategy.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

The collapse of oil prices has left a hole.

The Economist

The cousin added: "She left a hole in our hearts".

The New York Times

Birdshot had left a hole on his forehead.

The New York Times

That habit left "a hole, obviously" in the policy.

The New York Times

Mr. Trump, in short, has left a hole to fill.

The New York Times

It left a hole in this tightknit family of musicians.

The Guardian - Music

"Graham's death has left a hole in many people's lives.

The Guardian

That has also left a hole in their lives".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing emotional impact, use "left a hole" to convey a sense of deep loss or absence, emphasizing the lasting effect on individuals or communities.

Common error

Avoid using "left a hole" in situations where the impact is minor or easily replaceable; consider alternatives like "created a gap" or "caused a slight inconvenience" for less significant effects.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "left a hole" primarily functions as a verb phrase, where "left" is the past tense of the verb "leave" and "a hole" is a noun phrase acting as the direct object. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Academia

15%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Science

3%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "left a hole" is a grammatically correct and versatile expression used to describe a sense of absence or loss. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is widely used across various contexts, particularly in news and media, to convey a significant impact or void. When writing, consider the emotional weight the phrase carries and avoid overuse in minor situations. Alternatives like "created a gap" or "resulted in a loss" can be used depending on the specific nuance you want to convey. Remember that "left a hole" implies a lasting effect and a sense of something deeply missing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

created a void

Focuses on the creation of emptiness or absence, rather than the act of leaving.

caused a gap

Emphasizes the creation of a space or discontinuity.

resulted in a loss

Highlights the negative consequence of something being gone.

generated an emptiness

Stresses the feeling of absence and lack.

produced a vacuum

Implies a strong sense of something missing or needing to be filled.

brought about a deficit

Focuses on the quantifiable lack or shortfall that occurred.

instigated a shortage

Highlights the insufficiency or inadequacy that arose.

created an opening

Suggests a space or chance that was made available, often unintentionally.

brought about a lacuna

Uses a more formal term for a gap or missing part.

occasioned a breach

Emphasizes the breaking or violation that resulted.

FAQs

How can I use "left a hole" in a sentence?

The phrase "left a hole" is used to describe a physical or emotional absence. For example, "The retirement of the star player "left a hole" in the team's offense" or "Her departure "left a hole" in his heart".

What are some alternatives to "left a hole"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "created a void", "caused a gap", or "resulted in a loss". The best alternative depends on whether you want to emphasize the emptiness, the discontinuity, or the negative consequence.

Is it correct to say "left a hole in my heart"?

Yes, "left a hole in my heart" is a common and grammatically correct expression to describe deep emotional loss or grief. It conveys a sense of permanent absence and pain.

What's the difference between "left a hole" and "created a gap"?

"Left a hole" often implies a sense of loss or absence that is deeply felt, whereas "created a gap" is more neutral and can refer to a space or opportunity. For example, a resignation might "create a gap" in the workforce, but the death of a loved one "leaves a hole" in one's heart.