left to date

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "left to date" is not correct in standard written English.
It seems to be an attempt to convey something about the current status or remaining time, but it is unclear and not commonly used. Example: "The project is still left to date, and we need to finalize it soon."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Formal & Business

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

At one point I almost had to move out of the city because I didn't have anyone left to date".

The New York Times - Style

The number who have left to date, including firm initiated reductions, is consistent with the reduced headcount contemplated by our plan, which contemplates limited further headcount reduction over the next several months," Dewey said.

The New York Times

"This appeal is based on a planning scenario projecting up to 400,000 people leaving Libya — including the 200,000 who have left to date — and another 600,000 people inside Libya expected to need humanitarian aid," said the official, Valerie Amos, the U.N. humanitarian and emergency coordination chief.

The New York Times

It breaks my heart whenever I hear women say that there aren't any good men over 40 left to date, because it's just not true.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

However, if the house was still in your husband's sole name when it was left to you, the date you acquired the property is taken as the date of your husband's death.

The Guardian - Money

Mr. Fawcett-Tang was especially taken with the Calendario Bilancia by Enzo Mari: four strips of wood that users slide right or left to set the date.

The New York Times

Early on the morning of the thirteenth, with five days left to make his court date, Hadwin set off again.

The New Yorker

The former would be signed in the coming days or weeks, probably in Kiev; the latter would be left to an unspecified future date.

The Economist

As Wired explained, "Tinder represents a swipe left to reject a potential date, for instance, in 278 bytes.

Vice

Space can be left to include the death date once you have passed on.

WikiHow

Make columns (left to right headings) of Date, Where I Went, Amount Spent, Amount Deposited, Cash, Check, or Card, and Account Total.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Avoid using the phrase "left to date" in formal writing. It is not considered standard English and can be confusing. Instead, opt for clearer alternatives like "remaining until now" or "still outstanding".

Common error

A common mistake is assuming "left to date" is a correct way to express something remaining up until the present. This phrase is unconventional. Using clearer alternatives like "remaining until now" or "so far" will enhance clarity and professionalism.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "left to date" attempts to function as an adverbial phrase, aiming to modify a verb by indicating a timeframe up to the present. However, Ludwig AI indicates that this phrase is not correct in standard written English, making its function unclear and unconventional.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Formal & Business

20%

Science

25%

Less common in

Wiki

25%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "left to date" is considered incorrect in standard English. Ludwig AI flags it as non-standard, recommending alternatives like "remaining until now" or "so far". While examples exist across various sources such as News & Media and Formal & Business contexts, its grammatical status and rare usage suggest avoiding it in favor of clearer alternatives to ensure effective communication. The phrase's intended purpose to specify a timeframe up to the present is better served by more conventional expressions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

To date

A common way to indicate that something has happened up to the present moment, without "left".

So far

A common and concise way to indicate progress up to the current time.

Until now

Replaces the entire phrase with a simpler expression indicating a point up to the present.

Up to the present

Similar to "until now" but slightly more formal.

As of today

Indicates the situation at the current date.

Thus far

A slightly more formal synonym for "so far".

To this day

Emphasizes that something continues to be true up to the present.

Up to this point

Highlights a specific juncture in time.

To the present moment

More emphatic and formal than "until now".

Until the present time

A more elaborate and formal way to say "until now".

FAQs

What does "left to date" mean?

The phrase "left to date" is generally not considered standard English and is unclear. It seems intended to express something that remains or is outstanding up to the present time. Consider using clearer alternatives.

What can I use instead of "left to date"?

Alternatives include "so far", "up to now", "to date", or "remaining until now" depending on the intended meaning. These alternatives are clearer and more widely accepted.

Is "left to date" grammatically correct?

No, "left to date" is not grammatically correct in standard English. It is not a recognized or commonly used phrase. Use more conventional expressions instead.

How can I use "to date" correctly?

Use "to date" to indicate something that has occurred up to the present time. For example, "The project's progress to date has been satisfactory."