left behind as it was

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "left behind as it was" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that has been abandoned or remains unchanged in its original state. Example: "The old house stood in silence, left behind as it was, a testament to a bygone era."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

The rest was left behind, as it was not economically feasible to be recovered.

Applied Water Science

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

You need to remove the smell that ants leave behind, as it is the trail they follow.

WikiHow

In Professor Foulquier's view, Solvency 2 could accelerate the trend towards consolidation of the industry.But although Solvency 2 is a challenge for small companies, they do not want to be left behind, as it could become an international gold standard.

The Economist

Owing to a shortage of boats, four invalids were left behind, as were the very largest cannons and a variety of supplies everything from tents to cattle.

Wikipedia

Cohesion is as much about rich and poor, included and left behind as it is about English and Scot or Muslim and Christian.

The Guardian - Opinion

But the legacy of the period has been hard to leave behind, as is illustrated by the trial that began in Munich this week of the surviving member of a neo-Nazi group accused of a series of anti-immigrant murders.

The New York Times

Tad Simons, the editor of the magazine Presentations (whose second-grade son used PowerPoint for show-and-tell), is familiar with the sin of triple delivery, where precisely the same text is seen on the screen, spoken aloud, and printed on the handout in front of you (the "leave-behind," as it is known in some circles).

The New Yorker

But preservationists like Mr. Pearsall and Joan Geismar, an archaeologist, thought it likely that some human remains had been left behind, as is often the case when burial grounds are disturbed.

The New York Times

Children, grandchildren and a husband were left behind, as were friends and colleagues.

The Guardian - Opinion

While most of the market enjoyed a rally, financial stocks were left behind, as investors were still to beset with uncertainty over the sector’s future.

Forbes

Despite the growth of its Internet business and investors' renewed affection for technology stocks, Reed Elsevier "has been left behind, as if it has got some kind of problem," Mr. Cox said.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "left behind as it was" to vividly depict a scene or object that remains untouched by time or circumstance, emphasizing its original state and potential abandonment. Ensure the context clearly establishes the contrast between the current state and a possible altered one.

Common error

Avoid using "left behind as it was" when you simply mean 'preserved' or 'maintained'. This phrase carries an implication of neglect or abandonment, so ensure this nuance is appropriate for your intended meaning.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "left behind as it was" functions as an adjectival phrase, modifying a noun by describing its state of being abandoned or unchanged. This use, as indicated by Ludwig, typically implies neglect or a past condition that persists.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

25%

Wiki

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

13%

Social Media

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "left behind as it was" is a versatile phrase used to describe a state of abandonment, preservation, or stagnation. As Ludwig AI suggests, it carries a connotation of neglect, making it essential to consider this nuance when using it. While grammatically correct and commonly used across diverse contexts like news and media, it's crucial to be mindful of its emotional undertones, which may render it less suitable for strictly formal or scientific writing. Alternatives such as "abandoned in its original state" or "remained untouched" offer similar meanings with potentially different emotional impacts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

abandoned in its original state

Emphasizes the act of being abandoned and the condition of remaining unchanged.

forsaken as it remained

Highlights the feeling of being forsaken and the continuation of an existing state.

remained untouched

Focuses on the lack of alteration or modification.

kept in its original form

Highlights the preservation of the initial form or condition.

preserved as it existed

Underscores the preservation of a past existence.

left unaltered

Focuses on the absence of change or modification.

as it originally stood

Emphasizes the initial standing or position of something.

in its pristine condition

Highlights the immaculate and untouched state.

unchanged since then

Focuses on the continuity of a state from a past point.

remaining as before

Highlights the continuation of a prior state.

FAQs

How can I use "left behind as it was" in a sentence?

You can use "left behind as it was" to describe something that remains unchanged from an earlier state, often with an implication of abandonment or neglect. For example: "The old house stood in silence, "left behind as it was", a testament to a bygone era."

What are some alternatives to saying "left behind as it was"?

Alternatives include "abandoned in its original state", "remained untouched", or "preserved as it existed". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you wish to convey.

Does "left behind as it was" imply something negative?

Yes, it often carries a negative connotation, suggesting neglect, abandonment, or a failure to progress. Consider this implication when choosing this phrase.

Is there a more formal way to express the idea of "left behind as it was"?

A more formal alternative might be "retained its original condition" or "remained in its initial state", which are less emotionally charged but convey a similar meaning.