left very early

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "left very early" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe the action of departing at an early time, often implying that it was earlier than usual or expected. Example: "To avoid traffic, we left very early in the morning."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

Polanski left very early.

The Guardian - Film

I left very early in the morning.

Independent

They left very early this morning".

The New Yorker

But he can't, the ball breaking left very early and never troubling the hole.

The Guardian - Sport

He left very early for work, and came home very late, vague and sad-eyed, carrying files and papers.

The Guardian - Books

I left very early the next morning…not thinking about my MDR-TB treatment, maybe because my mind was very occupied with my family responsibilities and also because I did not feel that sick" (LPA-12).

BMC Health Services Research

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

He impresses his guests so greatly that they leave very early.

The New Yorker

They are planning to leave very early, at six in the morning.

The New Yorker

They are planning to leave very early, at six in the… I went to Gómez Palacio during one of the worst periods of my life.

The New Yorker

Mr. Armstrong noticed Ms. Youn as soon as she walked in, but he had to leave very early the following morning for Wyoming.

The New York Times

You have to leave very early in the morning, around 6.30am, or face the climb in the sweltering midday heat, but there's a breathtaking view over Petit Piton and back over the entire west coast of the island.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "left very early" when you want to emphasize the earliness of a departure, implying it was earlier than usual or expected. This can highlight a sense of urgency, preparation, or avoidance of potential problems like traffic.

Common error

Avoid using "left very early" repetitively in your writing. If the context already implies earliness, using the phrase too often can sound redundant. Vary your language with alternatives like "departed at dawn" or "made an early start" for better readability.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "left very early" functions as an adverbial phrase modifying a verb. It provides information about when an action (leaving) occurred, emphasizing its temporal aspect. As seen in Ludwig, it often clarifies the timing of a departure or start.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Academia

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "left very early" is a grammatically sound and commonly used adverbial phrase that emphasizes the earliness of a departure or start. As per Ludwig's analysis, it functions to specify when an action took place, highlighting that it occurred much earlier than expected. The phrase is suitable for neutral register contexts, finding frequent use in news and media, science, and formal business settings. While versatile, avoid overuse and consider synonyms to maintain readability. With the assistance of Ludwig, writers can confidently and accurately incorporate this phrase into their work, using alternatives and refining their writing based on the advice delivered.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

got an early start

Emphasizes the advantage gained by starting early.

made an early start

Highlights the earliness of the beginning.

left before daybreak

Focuses on departure before the first light of day.

set off at the crack of dawn

Idiomatic expression emphasizing a very early start.

departed at dawn

Emphasizes leaving specifically at the time of dawn.

started off in the wee hours

Highlights the lateness of the night or very early morning.

started well before sunrise

Highlights beginning an activity or journey before sunrise.

began at first light

Focuses on starting something when the first light appears.

took off prematurely

Indicates an earlier departure than expected or planned.

left at an unearthly hour

Emphasizes the unusual earliness of the departure.

FAQs

What does "left very early" mean?

The phrase "left very early" describes departing or starting a journey or activity much earlier than the usual or expected time. It emphasizes the earliness of the departure.

How can I use "left very early" in a sentence?

You can use "left very early" to describe any situation where someone departed at an unusually early time. For example, "To avoid the traffic, we "left very early" this morning".

What are some alternatives to "left very early"?

Alternatives include phrases like "made an early start", "departed at dawn", or "got an early start", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is there a difference between "left early" and "left very early"?

Yes, "left very early" emphasizes the earliness of the departure to a greater degree than simply saying "left early". "Left very early" highlights that the departure was significantly earlier than normal or expected.