left at once

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "left at once" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that someone departed immediately or without delay. Example: "When the alarm rang, she left at once, not wanting to waste any time."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

Leaders of both left at once for London to be near their hero.

The Economist

Achatz was left at once hopeful and scared of a recurrence.

The New Yorker

On this occasion, she meekly left at once for Montreal — with Guay.

The New Yorker

If many left at once, it would take months for American to license and train enough replacements.

The New York Times

After paying their checks, totaling maybe $400, they all got up and left at once -- leaving behind a handful of scattered pennies, nickels and dimes.

The New York Times

"I told you, don't let them use Mao's face to play with!" She was so angry that she left at once.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

I leave at once".

The New Yorker

Amini was told to leave at once.

The New Yorker

And if they all leave at once, watch out.

The New York Times

When Gloria's parents found out about Salvatore, they decided to leave at once.

The New Yorker

In this case — with everyone leaving at once and dissolving the company, that provision is moot.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "left at once" when you want to emphasize the immediacy of someone's departure. It conveys a sense of urgency or promptness that other phrases might not capture as effectively.

Common error

While "left at once" is grammatically correct, it can sound overly formal or dramatic in casual conversation. In such situations, consider using alternatives like "left immediately" or "left right away" for a more natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "left at once" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying the verb 'left' to indicate the manner and timing of the action. It indicates an immediate and prompt departure, as shown in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Academia

20%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Science

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "left at once" is a grammatically sound and relatively formal way to express an immediate departure. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is correct and usable in written English, conveying a sense of urgency or promptness. While not exceedingly common, it appears in reputable sources such as The New York Times and The Economist. When writing, be mindful of the context: while suitable for news reports or formal narratives, consider using less formal alternatives like "left immediately" in casual conversation. Be sure to use it when you need to emphasize that there was no delay in leaving.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

departed immediately

Focuses on the immediacy of the departure.

left immediately

Emphasizes the promptness of leaving.

left without delay

Highlights the lack of hesitation in leaving.

left right away

Suggests leaving very soon after a particular event.

promptly departed

Uses a more formal tone to convey immediate departure.

took off instantly

Emphasizes the speed and abruptness of the departure.

made an instant exit

Highlights the immediacy of the departure.

immediately went away

Simple and direct way of expressing instant departure.

quickly left the place

Emphasizes the speed of leaving a specific location.

hastened away

Implies a hurried and immediate departure.

FAQs

What does "left at once" mean?

"Left at once" means to depart immediately or without any delay. It emphasizes the promptness of the departure.

Is there a difference between "left at once" and "left immediately"?

The phrases are very similar, but "left at once" can sometimes carry a slightly stronger sense of urgency or formality compared to "left immediately".

What can I say instead of "left at once" in a less formal context?

In less formal situations, you could use phrases like "left right away" or "left immediately".

How to use "left at once" in a sentence?

You can use "left at once" in sentences such as: "Upon receiving the news, she left at once." or "The soldier shouted, 'All of you, leave at once!'"