left on the buffet

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "left on the buffet" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe food or items that have been placed on a buffet table and remain there, often implying they are available for serving or consumption. Example: "After the party, there were several dishes left on the buffet that we decided to take home."

✓ Grammatically correct

Wiki

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

They not only take up space if left on the buffet table but they are incongruous and will not be eaten by guests when they are mingling with drinks away from the main table earlier in the evening.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

They can zoom in on minute details, like where a client lingers at the buffet, how well he or she chews, how much is left on the plate.

The New York Times

But some people just don't want to leave the dance floor; others don't want to give up on the buffet.

Huffington Post

Many buffet restaurants do charge customers for any wastage left on plates.

WikiHow

It is a waste of good food and many Chinese buffets can charge you for any wastage left on your plate.

WikiHow

At the same time, readers may want to exercise some caution to avoid leaving the statistical buffet with indigestion or with egg on their faces.

Science Magazine

Rain stayed focussed on the buffet dishes.

The New Yorker

At lunchtime, our catch appeared on the buffet, fried.

The Guardian - Travel

On the buffet line — not realizing that he was standing behind Geoffrey Rush — Kinderman reflected on Beethoven.

The New Yorker

Elements in ( mathbb{D} ) metaphorically represent different dishes on the buffet table in the upper-level Indian restaurant.

EURASIP Journal on Wireless Communications and Networking

Some of the dishes on the buffet.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing food items, consider specifying why they were "left on the buffet". Was it because they were unappetizing, or were there simply too many other choices?

Common error

Be mindful of context. Using "left" can sometimes carry political connotations. Ensure the context clearly indicates you are referring to items remaining, not a political stance.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "left on the buffet" primarily functions as a prepositional phrase, modifying a noun or verb by indicating the location or state of being of an item. As supported by Ludwig, it specifies what remains present on a buffet.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Wiki

30%

News & Media

50%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "left on the buffet" is a grammatically correct and commonly used prepositional phrase that describes items remaining on a buffet table. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's suitable for general usage, carrying a neutral tone. While it can appear in a variety of contexts, it's primarily descriptive, informing about the items not taken or consumed. The phrase's frequency is common due to its application in diverse domains, from lifestyle blogs and wikis to news articles. Understanding its correct usage helps prevent potential misinterpretations and improves the clarity of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

remaining on the buffet

Focuses on the state of being still present.

still present on the buffet

Emphasizes continued existence at the specified location.

uneaten on the buffet

Highlights that the food was not consumed.

sitting on the buffet

Describes the physical presence of the items.

remaining untouched on the buffet

Highlights that the items are still in their original state.

abandoned on the buffet

Emphasizes the aspect of being forsaken or unwanted.

available on the buffet

Indicates that the items are present and ready for consumption or use.

overlooked on the buffet

Suggests that the items were not noticed or chosen.

placed on the buffet and not taken

Explicitly states the action of putting something on the buffet and its subsequent lack of selection.

displayed on the buffet but not eaten

Combines the presentation aspect with the lack of consumption.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "left on the buffet"?

Consider using phrases such as "remaining on the buffet", "uneaten on the buffet", or "abandoned on the buffet" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it grammatically correct to say "left on the buffet"?

Yes, "left on the buffet" is grammatically correct. It is commonly used to describe items that have remained on a buffet table.

What does "left on the buffet" imply?

It typically implies that the item was placed on the buffet but not taken or consumed. It might also suggest that the item is still available.

Can "left on the buffet" have negative connotations?

Depending on the context, it might. For instance, saying "the untouched food was left on the buffet" could imply that the food was unappetizing or undesirable.