left behind

USAGE SUMMARY

"left behind" is a correct and usable phrase in English.
You can use it when you are referring to someone or something that has been abandoned or forgotten. For example, "I was worried about my children being left behind when I moved overseas."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Things left behind are eloquent.

The New Yorker

Do you feel left behind?

The New York Times

Gobelet is left behind, weeping.

The New Yorker

Left behind, no.

The Guardian - Business

To get left behind is to fail.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

What is No Child Left Behind?

The New York Times

Those left behind are increasingly marginalized.

The New York Times

(See "Left Behind: Ireland And Spain").

Forbes

"I have left behind fantastic players.

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

Q. Leave behind?

The New York Times

What can business travellers safely leave behind?

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "left behind" to describe a feeling of being excluded or forgotten, consider the emotional impact and choose language that accurately reflects the sentiment.

Common error

Avoid using "left behind" when a more direct, active voice would be clearer and more impactful. For instance, instead of "The project was left behind", consider "They abandoned the project".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "left behind" functions primarily as a past participle in passive constructions. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. It indicates a state of being abandoned, forgotten, or surpassed, as shown in examples like, "Those left behind are increasingly marginalized."

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Wiki

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "left behind" is a grammatically sound and frequently used verb phrase indicating a state of abandonment, exclusion, or being surpassed. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it functions as a past participle, primarily in passive constructions and conveys feelings of being forgotten or failing to keep up. While appearing across various registers, it is most prevalent in news and media contexts. Remember to consider the emotional impact and use a direct voice for clarity. Alternatives include "abandoned", "forgotten", and "lagging behind". Use it accurately, and you will not be "left behind" in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

lagging behind

Suggests falling behind in progress or development.

abandoned

Focuses on the act of being deserted or forsaken.

forgotten

Emphasizes being overlooked or no longer remembered.

overlooked

Implies that something or someone has not been noticed or considered.

excluded

Highlights being intentionally kept out or omitted.

passed over

Focuses on not being chosen or selected for something.

marginalized

Indicates being pushed to the edge or periphery of society or a group.

stranded

Suggests being left in a difficult or isolated situation.

outpaced

Implies being surpassed or overtaken by others.

isolated

Highlights the state of being alone or separated from others.

FAQs

How is "left behind" used in a sentence?

"Left behind" can describe someone or something abandoned, forgotten, or failing to keep up. For example, "The team feared being "left behind" in the rapidly evolving market."

What are some synonyms for "left behind"?

Alternatives include "abandoned", "forgotten", "lagging behind", or "marginalized", depending on the specific meaning you want to convey.

Is it correct to use "left behind" to describe a feeling of being excluded?

Yes, "left behind" can effectively describe the feeling of being excluded or not keeping pace with others, especially in social or professional contexts. However, make sure is a direct comparison like: "We felt "left behind" because the company chose another technology".

What's the difference between "left behind" and "forgotten"?

"Left behind" implies a separation or abandonment, while "forgotten" suggests being completely overlooked or no longer remembered. You can be "left behind" even if you are still known, but being "forgotten" implies a complete lack of awareness.