left to pass

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "left to pass" is not commonly used in written English and may be unclear without context.
It could be used in a context where something is allowed to continue or be overlooked, but it is not a standard expression. Example: "The opportunity was left to pass, and now we regret not taking action sooner."

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

36 human-written examples

Yet last September, the 30th anniversary of the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA) was left to pass unmarked.

The Economist

Come out into a clearing and turn left to pass a lone house, then walk on to a wide track.

The Guardian - Travel

The Warriors (70-9) have three games left to pass the 72-10 recofd of the 1995-96 Chicago Bulls.

The Guardian - Sport

No full consultation paper has emerged and the time left to pass legislation before the election is running out.

The Guardian

As with everything that occurs at Westminster these days, the debate could not be left to pass without a lengthy intervention from the SNP.

Independent

He was then left to pass out in the cold tub, and to deal — ten and twenty years down the road — with the consequences.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

23 human-written examples

But the Prussians at Metz would not allow him out of the city: "They gave me beer, they gave me dinner, they gave me cigars; but they would not give me leave to pass".

The Guardian

Since this season's All-Star break, Cabrera had out-homered Hamilton, 23 to 15, going into Thursday; he now has 13 games left to try to pass him.

The New York Times - Sports

Those in Senator Kennedy's camp do think there is enough time left this year to pass the legislation, and they are not fazed by the questions of constitutionality.

The New York Times

After you have prepared and registered, the only step left is to pass the exam.

WikiHow

Those wishing to leave had to pass through a checkpoint, where men were asked to lift their shirts and show their shoes before having their papers checked.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "left to pass" in your writing, ensure the context clearly indicates whether something was intentionally allowed to proceed or unintentionally overlooked. Clarity is key for avoiding ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "left to pass" when active voice would be more direct and effective. Overusing passive constructions can weaken your writing and obscure who or what is performing the action.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "left to pass" primarily functions as a verb phrase indicating permission, omission, or inevitability. Examples from Ludwig show it used in contexts ranging from opportunities missed to legislation not enacted. Ludwig AI highlights its potential ambiguity without sufficient context.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Wiki

30%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Reference

7%

Social Media

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "left to pass" is a commonly used verb phrase that conveys the idea of something being allowed to proceed without intervention, often with implications of missed opportunities or oversights. Ludwig AI notes that the phrase can be ambiguous and context-dependent. The analysis reveals its prevalent use in news and media, with acceptable but less frequent occurrence in formal business and scientific contexts. Consider the subtle connotations before employing it in your writing, opting for more precise alternatives when clarity is paramount.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

allowed to proceed

Focuses on the permission aspect of allowing something to continue without intervention.

permitted to continue

Similar to 'allowed to proceed', but emphasizes formal permission.

allowed to lapse

Highlights the idea of something expiring or becoming invalid due to inaction.

permitted to elapse

Similar to 'allowed to lapse', but with a slightly more formal tone.

let it go

A more casual way of saying something was allowed to happen without interference.

chose not to intervene

Emphasizes the active decision not to take action.

declined to act

Highlights a deliberate refusal to take action.

omitted to act

Implies a failure to act, possibly due to oversight.

failed to prevent

Focuses on the inability or lack of action to stop something from happening.

allowed to transpire

A more formal way of indicating that something was permitted to occur.

FAQs

How can I use "left to pass" in a sentence?

The phrase "left to pass" indicates that something was allowed to proceed or occur without intervention. For example, "The opportunity was "left to pass", and now we regret it."

What does "left to pass" mean?

The meaning of the phrase "left to pass" is that something was allowed to continue or be overlooked. It suggests a lack of action or intervention, resulting in something progressing unimpeded. Similar phrases might include "allowed to proceed" or "permitted to continue".

What are the nuances between "left to pass" and "allowed to continue"?

"Left to pass" often implies a passive acceptance or lack of attention, while "allowed to continue" suggests a more deliberate permission. The phrase "allowed to continue" carries a connotation of acknowledgement, perhaps more willingly.

Is it more formal to use "left to pass" or "permitted to elapse"?

"Permitted to elapse" is generally more formal than "left to pass". "Permitted to elapse" sounds more official or bureaucratic and is suitable for legal or official contexts, whereas "left to pass" is more neutral.