left in peace

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "left in peace" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe someone or something that has been undisturbed or allowed to continue without interference or interruption. It can also imply that someone or something has been abandoned or forgotten. Example: The old abandoned church sat in the overgrown field, left in peace by the townspeople who had long ago moved on to bigger cities.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Can't I be left in peace?

The Economist

We just want to be left in peace.

Independent

Do they just want to be left in peace?

The New Yorker

Maybe the past should be left in peace.

The New Yorker

When left in peace, Messiaen could compose with remarkable speed.

The Guardian - Music

But even here the mourners are not left in peace.

The Guardian

This sad site should be left in peace and tranquillity".

The Guardian - Opinion

We were largely left in peace during the 2004 election.

The New York Times

Tradition and, by and large, the law demand that they be left in peace.

The Economist

"In the name of God, let Palestine be left in peace," Khalidi wrote.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

Both were left in peace and became roughly 4% more efficient each year in the decade that followed.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "left in peace" when you want to convey a sense of allowing someone or something to exist without disturbance or interference. It's particularly effective when emphasizing a desire for tranquility or privacy.

Common error

Avoid using "left in peace" when the intention is to describe complete abandonment with negative connotations. While it can imply a lack of interference, it doesn't inherently carry the sense of neglect or complete forsakenness that other phrases might.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "left in peace" is as a passive construction, often used as a complement after verbs like 'be', 'want', or 'wish'. As Ludwig AI points out, this construction typically conveys a desire for non-interference or tranquility.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

77%

Science

12%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Academia

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "left in peace" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to convey a desire for tranquility, privacy, or non-interference. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English. Analysis of its usage reveals that it is most frequently found in News & Media contexts, with a neutral register, indicating its widespread applicability. When aiming for alternative expressions, consider options like "allowed to be undisturbed" or "let to be tranquil", keeping in mind the nuances they may add. Remember to avoid misinterpreting the phrase as implying abandonment in scenarios where active care is required.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

allowed to be undisturbed

Focuses on the allowance of a state of non-disturbance, rather than the act of leaving someone or something in that state.

let to be tranquil

Emphasizes the state of tranquility, highlighting the allowance of peace.

given respite from interference

Highlights the act of providing a break from interference, implying a temporary state of peace.

permitted to remain unbothered

Focuses on permission and lack of bother, emphasizing freedom from annoyance.

granted freedom from intrusion

Highlights the granting of freedom, specifically from intrusion or unwanted presence.

able to exist without disturbance

Emphasizes the ability to exist peacefully, focusing on the lack of disruption.

left to one's own devices

This phrase suggests abandonment but with an element of autonomy, indicating being left alone to manage independently.

given space to breathe

Emphasizes the need for personal space and freedom from pressure.

allowed to mellow out

Indicates a desire for relaxation and avoidance of stress, implying a more casual context.

left to stew in their own juices

Suggests abandonment and consequence, implying being left alone to deal with the results of one's actions.

FAQs

How can I use "left in peace" in a sentence?

You can use "left in peace" to describe a desire to be undisturbed, as in, "After a long day, I just want to be "left in peace"." It can also describe respecting someone's privacy or final wishes.

What's a good alternative to "left in peace"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "allowed to be undisturbed", "let to be tranquil", or "given respite from interference".

Is it always appropriate to say "left in peace"?

While generally acceptable, consider the tone and context. In situations where action or intervention is expected, saying someone should be "left in peace" might be perceived as insensitive or uncaring.

Can "left in peace" imply something negative?

In some contexts, "left in peace" could imply neglect or being ignored, particularly if the person or thing in question needs attention or support. Choose your words carefully to avoid misinterpretation.