left of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "left of" is correct and usable in written English.
You could use it when you want to describe the position of something. For example, "The lamp was positioned left of the bed."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Man, that's left of left.

The New York Times

What's left of it".

Independent

What's left of me?

The New Yorker

"What's left of Shyrokyno?

Independent

I was left of liberal.

The New York Times

Or what's left of it.

The New Yorker

What was left of it.

The New Yorker

— my parents left of their own accord.

The New Yorker

What's left of it, that is.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

His left-of-centre roots run deep.

The Economist

A couple of left-of-center moderates.

Wikipedia

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing positions, ensure the reference point is clear. For example, "The building is left of the park entrance" clarifies the building's location relative to the park entrance.

Common error

Avoid ambiguity by specifying the reference point. Saying "It's left" is vague; instead, state "It's left of the main road" for clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "left of" primarily functions as a prepositional phrase indicating the position of something relative to another object or point of reference. As Ludwig confirms, it is grammatically correct and widely used in written English. The examples provided demonstrate its application in various contexts, including spatial and metaphorical uses.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Wiki

10%

Science

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "left of" functions primarily as a prepositional phrase to denote a position relative to a reference point, although it can also be used metaphorically. Ludwig AI confirms that it is grammatically sound and frequently used across a range of contexts, most notably in news and media. To ensure clarity, it's crucial to clearly state the point of reference when using this phrase. While generally neutral, awareness of context will help with precision. Related phrases include "to the left side of" and "what remains of". The most authoritative sources using this term are The New York Times, The New Yorker, The Guardian, Huffington Post, and The Economist.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to the left side of

Specifies a physical location, providing more detail than simply "left of".

on the left side

Similar to "to the left side of", but may suggest a more general area rather than a precise spot.

remaining part of

Focuses on what is still present, unlike "left of" which can also describe a position.

what remains of

Highlights the diminished state of something, shifting the emphasis from location to condition.

politically more liberal than

Describes political leaning, a metaphorical usage of "left of".

to the port side of

Maritime term for "left of", applicable in nautical contexts.

more progressive than

Similar to "politically more liberal than", focusing on progressive ideologies.

situated to the west of

Indicates a westward location, differing from "left of" which is relative.

west of

Shortened version of "situated to the west of", indicating a westward location.

a fraction of

Implies a small amount is remaining, differing in emphasis from "left of".

FAQs

How can I use "left of" to describe a political position?

You can use "left of" to indicate someone's political views are more liberal or progressive than a specific political figure or ideology. For example, "He is "left of center"" suggests his views are more liberal than those considered moderate.

What's the difference between "left of" and "to the left of"?

"Left of" and "to the left of" are largely interchangeable, but "to the left of" often provides slightly more emphasis on the positional relationship.

When is it appropriate to use "what's left of"?

Use "what's left of" when referring to the remaining portion of something that has been diminished or partially destroyed. For example, "What's left of the cake?"

Can "left of" be used in a metaphorical sense?

Yes, "left of" can be used metaphorically, particularly to indicate a political stance. You might say someone is "left of Bernie Sanders" to indicate they hold even more liberal views.