left us

USAGE SUMMARY

"left us" is a perfectly correct and usable phrase in written English.
For example, you could use the phrase "left us" in the sentence: "After graduating from college, she left us to pursue her career in the city."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

They left us alone.

The New York Times

They left us hanging".

The New York Times - Magazine

Failure left us hanging.

The New Yorker

"He just left us here.

The New York Times

Summer has officially left us.

The New York Times

And Soundgarden left us mystified.

The New York Times - Magazine

Chevron left us in poverty".

The New Yorker

It left us terribly shocked".

The New York Times

JACKSON: HBO left us alone.

The New Yorker

"He left us with nothing.

The New York Times

Mr. Churton left us.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the emotional weight of "left us." While factual, it often carries a sense of loss, disappointment, or being incomplete. Use it when the emotional impact is relevant.

Common error

Avoid using "left us" in contexts where a neutral or positive phrasing is more appropriate. For example, instead of saying "She left us to pursue her dreams", consider "She pursued her dreams elsewhere" if you want to minimize the implication of abandonment.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "left us" primarily functions as a verb phrase, specifically a transitive verb followed by a pronoun. According to Ludwig, it is a correct and usable phrase. It indicates that someone or something has departed from or abandoned a group or individual.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Science

18%

Formal & Business

9%

Less common in

Wiki

7%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "left us" is a versatile verb phrase widely used to describe departures, abandonments, or death. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically sound and frequently encountered. Predominantly found in news and media, with substantial usage in science and formal business contexts, its emotional tone can range from neutral reporting to expressions of grief or disappointment. When crafting your message, be mindful of the potential emotional impact and choose alternative phrasings like "abandoned us" or "departed from us" depending on the specific nuance you aim to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

abandoned us

Indicates a more forceful or permanent departure, often implying a lack of care or responsibility.

deserted us

Implies a sudden and unexpected departure, often leaving someone in a difficult situation.

went away from us

A simple and direct way of saying someone has left, without specifying the reason.

gone away from us

Similar to "went away from us" but can also imply a sense of mystery or uncertainty.

departed from us

A more formal way of saying someone has died or left a group.

separated from us

Indicates a physical or emotional distance, often implying a formal or legal separation.

withdrew from us

Suggests a gradual or deliberate departure, often implying a loss of support or involvement.

moved on from us

Suggests that someone has progressed to a new stage in their life, leaving the past behind.

parted ways with us

Indicates a mutual decision to separate, often implying a change in relationship or direction.

forsaken us

Implies a sense of betrayal or abandonment, often in a religious or moral context.

FAQs

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

You can use "left us" to describe a departure, such as "The company "left us" with no warning" or to refer to someone's death, such as "My grandfather "left us" peacefully in his sleep".

What are some alternatives to saying "left us"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "abandoned us", "departed from us", or "went away from us".

Is it appropriate to use "left us" when someone dies?

Yes, "left us" is a common and often gentle way to refer to someone's passing. However, consider the audience and context. More formal or clinical terms may be preferred in certain situations.

What's the difference between ""left us"" and "abandoned us"?

"Left us" is a general term for departing or passing away. "Abandoned us" implies a more deliberate and often negative act of leaving someone in a difficult situation.