left stranded

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "left stranded" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where someone is abandoned or left in a difficult position without support or resources. Example: "After the storm hit, many travelers were left stranded at the airport with no flights available."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

He sees a country moving slightly to the left as Republicans are "left stranded on the right".

The New Yorker

Waugh was left stranded.

The Guardian - Sport

Many people were left stranded in Tovarnik.

The Guardian

But they were not left stranded.

The New York Times

Other travelers were left stranded at Calais or in Paris.

The New York Times

In the meantime, customers were left stranded and steaming.

The New York Times

Angry British tourists were among those left stranded at airports.

The Guardian

Residents who had not yet moved out were left stranded.

The Guardian

Others, not so lucky, were left stranded at Calais or in Paris.

The New York Times

Only Annette Bening is left stranded as American Beauty moves up through the gears.

The Guardian - Film

Every day dozens of migrants are left stranded by employers who fail to collect them.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "left stranded", ensure the context clearly indicates who or what did the abandoning and the resulting difficult situation.

Common error

Avoid using "left stranded" passively without indicating the cause of the abandonment. Clarify why the subject was left in that situation to provide a complete picture.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "left stranded" functions as a verb phrase, specifically a passive construction where "left" is the past participle of "leave" and "stranded" describes the resulting state. Ludwig AI shows it's primarily used to indicate a state of abandonment or being stuck in a difficult situation.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

88%

Wiki

4%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Science

2%

Reference

1%

Encyclopedias

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "left stranded" is a grammatically sound and frequently used verb phrase that effectively conveys a sense of abandonment or being placed in a helpless situation. Ludwig AI confirms this, highlighting its prevalence in news and media, with neutral formality. When using this phrase, clarity is key; ensure the context specifies the cause of the abandonment. Consider synonyms like "abandoned" or "isolated" to add nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

left behind

Focuses on the act of not being included or taken along.

left helpless

Emphasizes the lack of ability to cope with the situation.

abandoned

Implies a complete desertion or forsaking, often in a more general sense.

left isolated

Highlights the state of being alone and without support.

marooned

Suggests isolation, often on an island or remote location.

in the lurch

An idiom signifying being abandoned suddenly and unexpectedly.

high and dry

An idiom indicating being left in a helpless situation without resources.

left in the cold

An idiom referring to someone being ignored or excluded.

cast adrift

Suggests being set loose without guidance or direction.

forsaken

Implies a more profound and often emotional sense of abandonment.

FAQs

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

You can use "left stranded" to describe someone or something that has been abandoned or left in a difficult situation. For example, "The sudden closure of the factory "left stranded" many workers in the town."

What's a more formal way to say "left stranded"?

Depending on the context, more formal alternatives to "left stranded" could include "abandoned", "isolated", or "forsaken". The choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

What does it mean to be "left stranded"?

To be "left stranded" means to be abandoned or deserted in a place, situation, or condition without the means to help oneself. It implies a lack of support or resources to overcome the difficulty.

What are some common scenarios where people are "left stranded"?

People are often "left stranded" due to flight cancellations, business closures, sudden policy changes, or being abandoned in remote locations. These situations typically involve a lack of control and available support.