left on

USAGE SUMMARY

"left on" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is typically used to describe something that has been left in a particular place or state. For example: "The lights were left on overnight, so the battery died."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Lens cap left on again?

Independent

(Crust left on, thank you very much).

The New York Times

"He left on 23 July.

BBC

"She was left on that one medication.

The Guardian

She left on Monday.

The New York Times

Mr. Bahrami left on Monday.

The New York Times

They left on May 5.

The New York Times

Turning left on a plane.

Independent

Four races are left on the schedule.

The New York Times

There was nothing left on the plate.

The New Yorker

Amendments were left on the table.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "left on" to describe the status of a device (e.g. lights, stove), ensure the context clearly indicates that it was unintentionally or negligently left in that state. For instance: "The stove was "left on" all night, posing a significant fire hazard."

Common error

Avoid using "left on" when you mean 'departed' or 'started a journey'. Instead of saying "He "left on" Monday", use "He departed on Monday" for clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "left on" primarily functions as a phrasal verb, often used in a passive voice construction. It describes a state or condition resulting from an action of leaving something in a particular state or continuing an action. Ludwig AI indicates that this phrase is grammatically correct and widely usable.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

3%

Less common in

Science

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "left on" is a versatile phrasal verb commonly used to describe the state of something being unintentionally or deliberately allowed to remain in a specific state or location. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically sound and widely applicable. It finds frequent usage in news and media contexts, offering a neutral tone suitable for diverse situations. When considering alternative phrasing, options such as "remained active" or "stayed in operation" can provide nuanced replacements depending on the specific context. It's crucial to differentiate its meaning from similar phrases like "left alone" to avoid miscommunication. The phrase is considered very common and is found across various authoritative sources, including the The New York Times and The Guardian.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

remained active

Focuses on the continuation of an action or state, emphasizing the active aspect.

stayed in operation

Highlights the ongoing functioning of something, particularly a device or system.

was kept running

Emphasizes the continuous operation of a machine or process due to an action.

departed on

Indicates the act of starting a journey on a specific date or mode of transportation.

relied upon

Focuses on the dependence on something or someone, changing the focus from physical state to reliance.

was abandoned at

Highlights the act of leaving something behind in a specific location, often with negative connotations.

entrusted to

Shifts the meaning to assigning responsibility or care to someone or something.

quit on

Emphasizes the action of abandoning something, often abruptly or unexpectedly.

hinged on

Highlights the dependence on something, especially in terms of a decision or outcome.

was predicated on

Emphasizes that something is based or founded on a particular condition or assumption.

FAQs

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

You can use "left on" to indicate that something was forgotten or unintentionally kept active. For example, "The lights were "left on", wasting electricity" or "The price should be "left on"".

What are some alternatives to "left on"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "remained active", "stayed in operation", or "was kept running" as alternatives to "left on".

Is it correct to say "I left on good terms"?

Yes, "I "left on" good terms" is a common and correct way to express that you ended a relationship or job amicably.

What's the difference between "left on" and "left alone"?

"Left on" implies that something was unintentionally kept in a certain state, while "left alone" means someone or something was not disturbed or bothered. The contexts are quite different.