left on the sidelines

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "left on the sidelines" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe when someone is overlooked, excluded, or ignored. For example, "Many women have been left on the sidelines of the political process."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Now they are the ones who feel left on the sidelines, appalled both by the Islamists who have just lost power and the military that took over from them.

The New York Times

This is a party and no one wants to feel left on the sidelines.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Others were left on the sidelines, however.

The New York Times

The commission was left on the sidelines.

The Guardian - Opinion

Hollywood studios were largely left on the sidelines, however.

The New York Times

"We've had enough of being left on the sidelines.

The Guardian

Oftentimes they're left on the sidelines to watch and provide some opinion.

Yale University

Most small and medium-sized enterprises will be left on the sidelines.

The Economist

It is too big, too successful, to be left on the sidelines.

The Economist

Why are state school students left on the sidelines in elite sport?

The Guardian - Sport

Over the years there have been plenty of talented teams left on the sidelines in October.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the specific nuance you want to convey. While "left on the sidelines" suggests exclusion, other phrases like "overlooked" or "marginalized" might be more appropriate depending on the context.

Common error

Avoid using "left on the sidelines" in highly formal or technical writing. While acceptable in news and general contexts, opt for more precise and professional language in academic papers or formal reports.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "left on the sidelines" functions primarily as a predicate adjective phrase, describing the state of being excluded, ignored, or marginalized. It often modifies a noun or pronoun, indicating that someone or something has been excluded from an activity or process. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Academia

10%

Formal & Business

2%

Less common in

Science

1%

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "left on the sidelines" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe being excluded or overlooked. As Ludwig AI explains, it’s usable in written English to portray a situation of neglect or marginalization. Predominantly found in News & Media, this phrase serves to express concern or criticism about exclusion from opportunities. While versatile, remember that "left on the sidelines" might be too informal for highly technical or academic contexts. Consider alternatives like "sidelined" or "excluded from participation" for more formal settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

sidelined

A single word substitute that keeps the core meaning of the original phrase.

excluded from participation

Focuses on the act of being barred from taking part.

kept out of the loop

Emphasizes a lack of information and involvement in decision-making.

out of the action

Similar to being excluded, but focuses on the lack of active engagement.

marginalized

Highlights the experience of being pushed to the edges of a group or society.

overlooked

Stresses the unintentional neglect or failure to notice someone or something.

disregarded

Implies a deliberate decision to ignore or dismiss someone or something.

on the periphery

Highlights being on the edge or outer boundary of something, rather than at the center.

benched

Mirrors the original phrase but uses a sports analogy more directly.

not involved

A simple, direct way of stating a lack of participation.

FAQs

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

You can use "left on the sidelines" to describe when someone or something is excluded, ignored, or not given the opportunity to participate. For example, "Small businesses were "left on the sidelines" during the economic recovery."

What's a single word alternative to "left on the sidelines"?

A close single-word alternative to "left on the sidelines" is "sidelined". It captures the essence of being excluded or removed from active participation.

How does "left on the sidelines" compare to "excluded"?

"Excluded" is a more general term for being kept out of something. "Left on the sidelines" implies a more specific scenario where someone was potentially meant to be involved but was ultimately overlooked or prevented from participating.

When is it inappropriate to use the phrase "left on the sidelines"?

While widely accepted, "left on the sidelines" might be too informal for highly technical or academic writing. In such contexts, more precise and formal language might be preferable.