left far behind

USAGE SUMMARY

"left far behind" is correct in written English and it can be used in a variety of contexts.
For example, you could say: The runner was left far behind by his competition.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

The supposedly transparent depiction of reality (often derided as "bourgeois") is a bugbear that exists only in critics' imaginations, one that is left far behind by artists — and by the complex psychological webs they spin.

The New Yorker

The seven-hundred-and-seventy-horsepower engines, which cost about seventy-five thousapiecelasts apiece, last for only one race and run at just under their mechanical breaking point: any less and a driver is left far behind; any more and the thing blows up.

The New Yorker

The Wall Street Journal quotes "HSBC luxury-goods analyst Antoine Belge" thusly, "Trends in luxury consumption in the U.S. have continued to outperform overall consumer trends" This is actually evidence that you and most of the people you know are getting left, far behind, in the post-crash economy.

Huffington Post

Earthbound reality is left far behind.

The Guardian - Film

"Die Baache" had been left far behind.

The New York Times - Books

Skyscrapers loom over her, her quiet pueblo left far behind.

The Economist

But even if his company is uncongenial, the boarding house will soon be left far behind.

The Economist

Watteau's allegory was left far behind by two decorative compositions painted as overdoors.

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

It does so at a level that leaves far behind any of the Roman statuary that remained standing above ground or was recovered in sporadic archeological digs that began in the 15th century in Tuscany.

The New York Times - Arts

And they should treat those instances when he pops up in public — and pops off about this, that or whatever — as useful reminders of the kind of farce they can no longer afford and must leave far behind.

The New York Times

Leaving far behind the likes of Woods (twenty-third) and Phil Mickelson (forty-eighth), Lodewicus Theodorus Oosthuizen collected a prize of eight hundred and fifty thousand pounds and bought a tractor for his farm in the Western Cape of South Africa, where he was born.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "left far behind" to emphasize a significant disparity or a considerable gap between entities, whether in progress, achievement, or position. It's effective for highlighting inequalities or the consequences of inaction.

Common error

Avoid using "left far behind" when the difference is marginal or insignificant. It's a phrase that conveys a substantial gap, so ensure the context warrants such a strong expression.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "left far behind" functions as a verb phrase, typically used in the passive voice to describe a state of being surpassed or outdistanced by someone or something. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage. Examples show it often relates to progress, competition, or development.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

69%

Formal & Business

14%

Science

12%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "left far behind" is a common and grammatically sound verb phrase used to express significant disparity or being outstripped. Ludwig AI validates its usage, indicating correctness in diverse contexts. Predominantly found in News & Media, it maintains a neutral register, highlighting differences in progress, achievement, or position. When using this phrase, ensure the context warrants a substantial gap. For alternative expressions, consider "lagged significantly" or "trailed distantly" depending on the specific nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

lagged significantly

Implies a noticeable delay or falling behind, often in a measurable way.

outstripped considerably

Highlights being surpassed to a great extent.

trailed distantly

Emphasizes the physical distance or gap created by falling behind.

lost significant ground

Focuses on the loss of progress or position relative to others.

fallen well short

Indicates a failure to achieve a desired level or standard.

been outpaced dramatically

Highlights the speed and extent to which someone or something has been surpassed.

receded into the distance

Paints a vivid picture of something becoming smaller and less significant as it falls behind.

left in the dust

Creates a more figurative and emphatic image of being left far behind.

surpassed by a wide margin

Similar to 'outstripped considerably', but more formal.

relegated to obscurity

Indicates a descent into irrelevance or insignificance after being surpassed.

FAQs

How can I use "left far behind" in a sentence?

You can use "left far behind" to describe a situation where someone or something is significantly lagging, for example: "Developing nations risk being "left far behind" in technological advancements."

What are some alternatives to "left far behind"?

Alternatives include "lagged significantly", "trailed distantly", or "outstripped considerably", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it always negative to be "left far behind"?

While usually negative, implying a disadvantage, sometimes it can be a neutral observation, depending on context. For example, "Old technologies have been "left far behind" by new innovations."

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

"Left behind" simply means not included or forgotten. "Left far behind" emphasizes a greater distance or disparity, suggesting a significant disadvantage or degree of separation.