left its mark

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "left its mark" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to a lasting impact that an event, incident, or experience has had on a person or thing. For example, "The Great Recession of 2008 left its mark on the global economy."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

But it left its mark.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

But, quietly and enduringly, it left its mark on Britain, too.

The Economist

Whatever it is, it has left its mark.

The New York Times

But it's left its mark on you.

The New Yorker

It has undoubtedly left its mark on ordinary borrowers.

The New York Times

While his writing left its mark on the game, it's equally clear that the game left its mark on him.

The New York Times

But whenever it started, the Anthropocene has left its mark on the present, Gabrielli says.

Science Magazine

But it's the Lebanese cuisine that has left its mark.

Independent

Libya left its mark, too.

The Economist

The school left its mark on you.

The New Yorker

But Communism also left its mark.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "left its mark" when you want to emphasize the lasting and often irreversible impact of an event, experience, or person. For instance, "The war left its mark on the country's economy."

Common error

Avoid using "left its mark" when describing minor or fleeting effects. This phrase is best reserved for situations where the impact is substantial and enduring.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "left its mark" functions as an idiomatic expression used to indicate that something has had a significant and lasting impact on a person, place, or thing. As Ludwig AI suggests, it refers to enduring effects.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Encyclopedias

18%

Science

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Reference

5%

Academia

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "left its mark" is a common idiom used to describe a lasting impact or influence. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread usability. As shown by many examples, this phrase appears frequently in news media, encyclopedias, and scientific publications. Its neutral register makes it suitable for various writing styles. To enhance your writing, remember that using alternatives like "had a lasting effect" can add variety. However, ensure the context warrants the depth of impact implied by this idiom.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

left an imprint

A more direct synonym, emphasizing the act of leaving a mark.

had a lasting effect

Emphasizes the long-term consequences of something.

influenced significantly

Highlights the extent of the impact.

had an impact

Focuses on the effect without necessarily implying permanence.

made an impression

Focuses on the mental or emotional impact on someone.

made a difference

Highlights the positive influence or change brought about.

etched itself

Suggests a deep and memorable impact.

left a legacy

Suggests a contribution or influence that endures beyond its immediate existence.

shaped the course of

Indicates a significant influence on the direction or development of something.

changed things

Implies a fundamental alteration or shift.

FAQs

How can I use "left its mark" in a sentence?

Use "left its mark" to describe the lasting impact of something. For example, "The economic recession "left its mark" on many families".

What is a good alternative to "left its mark"?

Alternatives include "had a lasting effect", "made an impression", or "influenced significantly", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "left its mark" in formal writing?

Yes, "left its mark" is appropriate for both formal and informal writing. While idiomatic, it's widely understood and accepted in various contexts.

What kind of subjects can "leave their mark"?

Almost anything can "leave its mark", including events, people, places, and ideas. The key is that the subject has a lasting and noticeable impact.