left money

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "left money" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to money that has been left behind or given to someone, often in the context of a transaction or a gift. Example: "After the meeting, she left money on the table for the waiter as a tip."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The Chronicle implies that UC foolishly left money on the table.

University of California, Berkeley

Handlers left money for them in the wheel wells of cars.

The New York Times

Two commonly worded clauses for estates that left money in trusts could cause problems.

The New York Times

In her will she left money to the Cornell Plantations and to the A. D. White Center for the Humanities.

Cornell University

She had picked out a menu and left money to pay for lunch for everybody.

The New York Times

His mother left money in her will to pay for DNA testing.

The New York Times

Mr. Grassmann left money for his wife, but the rest of his estate went to charity.

The New York Times

Even greater credit if she left money to transport the books there.

The Guardian - Books

Except Lovejoy has left money "to his sister's eldest child" and that child is Mary.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Rhodes was a student at Oxford and left money to provide a prestigious scholarship.

The Guardian - Opinion

However, when my parents died they left money in my name to use for my brother who is on disability.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "left money" when the emphasis is on the act of departing or passing away, as opposed to phrases like "donated funds" that focus on the act of giving.

Common error

Avoid using "left money" in situations where the funds were actively given or invested during someone's lifetime. This phrase is more appropriate when describing funds distributed after someone's departure, either from life or a situation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "left money" functions as a verb phrase with a direct object. It describes the act of relinquishing financial resources, often in the context of inheritance or abandonment. According to Ludwig AI, this phrase is grammatically correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Academia

25%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "left money" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe the act of someone bequeathing or abandoning funds. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, its usage spans across diverse contexts from news and academia to more informal settings. While the phrase is typically neutral, it's important to consider the specific context to ensure appropriateness, particularly when referring to inheritances or missed financial opportunities. Related phrases such as "bequeathed funds" or "transferred wealth" can offer more precise meanings depending on the situation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

bequeathed funds

Refers specifically to money left in a will.

transferred wealth

Indicates a more general movement of financial assets.

passed down inheritance

Highlights the familial aspect of leaving money.

endowed resources

Implies the creation of a lasting fund or provision.

granted funds

Suggests a more formal or official allocation of money.

provided capital

Focuses on the role of money as a source of investment or growth.

supplied finances

Emphasizes the act of providing money for a specific purpose.

allocated resources

Implies a deliberate distribution of funds.

ceded assets

Suggests the relinquishment of control over financial holdings.

abandoned cash

Implies physical cash or assets were left behind

FAQs

What does it mean to say someone "left money on the table"?

The expression "left money on the table" typically means that someone didn't pursue all available opportunities to maximize their financial gain, often in a negotiation or deal.

How can I rephrase "left money to" in a will?

You can use alternatives such as "bequeathed funds to", "endowed funds to", or "granted funds to" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say someone "left money for" a specific purpose?

Yes, it's perfectly correct. This indicates that the money was intended to be used for that purpose, such as "He "left money" for his children's education".

What's the difference between "left money" and "gave money"?

"Gave money" implies a direct and active transfer of funds, while ""left money"" suggests the money was allocated through a will or as a result of someone vacating a situation, sometimes unexpectedly.