left at the back

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "left at the back" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is positioned or located at the rear of a space or object. Example: "The old furniture was left at the back of the garage, gathering dust and cobwebs."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

13 human-written examples

These kids were left at the back of the line.

The New York Times

At Lexington Avenue, a half-dozen passengers exited at the front, one left at the back and no one used the middle door.

The New York Times

Under their dispensation all men were required to adopt a Manchu hairstyle: a shaved head with a patch of long, braided hair left at the back.

The New York Times - Arts

This time, Cockcroft had written in appreciation of the series of blank pages that Macfarlane had left at the back of the book, in the hope that readers would record linguistic curios.

The New Yorker

As Santos dribbled, his coach Vicente Feola had been close to apoplexy, fearful of the gap being left at the back, and he was heard to shout: "Crazy, crazy... Oh, well done!" That spectacular manoeuvre fired the imagination of full-backs the world over, and the game became all the more entertaining as a result.

Independent

Pirlo did what he could, and Fabio Quagliarella was unlucky when his shot was cleared off the line – if not from behind it – by Skrtel, but the more Italy swarmed forward the more space they left at the back for Slovakian pace to exploit.

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

47 human-written examples

Schalke changed coaches two games ago, and the new man, Ralf Rangnick, had seen Inter on Sunday and decided the right approach was to attack the spaces Inter leaves at the back.

The New York Times - Sports

7 Follow the path all the way to Charcoal Drive turning left at the driveway to head back towards the house.

The Guardian - Travel

Sick or hurt dogs are left at the checkpoint and later flown back to their owners.

The New York Times - Sports

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Vice

If you have time left at the end, you can come back and try to improve it.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "left at the back" to describe a position in a queue or line, consider whether the context implies neglect or disadvantage. If so, ensure this nuance is intentional and clear to the reader.

Common error

Avoid using "left at the back" when a more precise directional term (e.g. "rear left", "back corner") would provide clearer spatial orientation. Ensure the reader can easily understand the specific location you are describing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "left at the back" functions primarily as a prepositional phrase, often modifying a noun or verb to indicate a location or state of being. As Ludwig AI suggests, it's deemed correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Wiki

20%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "left at the back" is a prepositional phrase used to describe something's position or state of being at the rear. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct and usable in various contexts. It's most commonly found in News & Media, Wiki and Science, with a neutral to slightly informal register. While it's a useful phrase, ensure clarity and avoid ambiguity by considering more precise directional terms when necessary. Related phrases include "positioned at the rear" or "located at the back", offering similar meanings with subtle differences in emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

positioned at the rear

Focuses on physical location at the back.

located at the back

Similar to 'positioned', but emphasizes the location.

placed at the rear

Similar to 'positioned', but emphasizes the action of placing.

situated at the rear

More formal than 'located'.

stationed at the back

Implies a more formal or deliberate placement at the rear.

remaining at the back

Highlights the act of staying behind.

abandoned at the rear

Emphasizes being deserted.

forgotten at the back

Indicates a lack of attention or memory.

neglected at the back

Suggests a lack of care or attention.

relegated to the back

Implies a demotion in importance or position.

FAQs

How can I use "left at the back" in a sentence?

The phrase "left at the back" describes a position or state of being located or remaining at the rear. For instance, "The forgotten toys were left at the back of the closet" or "The most disadvantaged children are being left at the back of the line."

What can I say instead of "left at the back"?

You can use alternatives such as "positioned at the rear", "located at the back", or "situated at the rear" depending on the context.

What does it mean when something is "left at the back"?

When something is "left at the back", it typically means it has been positioned or remains in the rear of something, often implying a secondary or less important status. It can also describe an object's location in a physical space.

Is "left at the back" formal or informal?

The phrase "left at the back" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, although more precise language might be preferred in highly formal writing.