legacy

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "legacy" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to something handed down from the past, such as traditions, values, or achievements. Example: "The artist's legacy continues to inspire new generations of creators."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"We knew this was a legacy issue which had been established by the previous government.

The Guardian

That would be quite a legacy.

The Economist

It made an arthouse star of Soderbergh and a heavyweight of his backer, Harvey Weinstein, whose studio, Miramax, would come to define quality American cinema over much of the next decade and, perhaps, help to destroy it too (read Indiewire's excellent piece on sex, lies for more on its legacy).

The Guardian - Film

After all, legacy donations remain the primary way of funding charitable activities.

The Guardian - Opinion

Theresa Villiers, the Northern Ireland secretary, also appealed to unionist leaders to return to the negotiating table over controversial parades, the flying of flags and the legacy of Ulster's violent past.

The Guardian

For the north's economic problems do not stem from a lack of tech-startups or an inability to cross the Pennines at lightning-quick speed; they are borne of successive crises of capitalism, each of which leaving behind their own uncompromising legacy.

The Guardian

More clear-cut – and usually held up as the unambiguously golden part of his legacy – is Kennedy's handling of the Cuban missile crisis of 1962.

The Guardian

On the surface, this might seem as if it has absolutely zero relevance to the average American, who is more worried about whether he's going to outlive his nest egg than whether he'll leave a "legacy" for his children.

The Guardian - Money

Even as it represents itself as a defence of Christian values, it is in fact the greatest threat to the Christian legacy.

The Guardian

Like him, the other detainees had been snatched by US soldiers from Iraq's towns and cities and flown to a place that had already become infamous: a foreboding desert fortress that would shape the legacy of the US presence in Iraq.

The Guardian

Only by leaving behind the decaying corpse of the old Europe can we keep the European legacy of égaliberté alive.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a "legacy", be specific about its nature. Instead of just stating someone left a "legacy", clarify what that "legacy" consists of: 'a legacy of innovation', 'a legacy of environmental conservation', etc.

Common error

Avoid using "legacy" when describing something that has only a short-term effect. "Legacy" implies a lasting and significant impact that extends beyond the immediate present.

Linguistic Context

The word "legacy" primarily functions as a noun, referring to something inherited or passed down from the past. Ludwig confirms this usage through numerous examples, where "legacy" often represents a lasting impact or contribution.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

90%

Formal & Business

5%

Science

3%

Less common in

Academia

1%

Encyclopedias

0.5%

Wiki

0.5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the word "legacy" is a very common noun that refers to something inherited or passed down from the past, often with a lasting impact. Ludwig AI confirms that the term is grammatically correct and primarily used in news and formal contexts. When using "legacy", be sure to consider the long-term implications and significance of what you are describing. While alternatives like "heritage" or "inheritance" exist, "legacy" often carries a stronger emphasis on the lasting impact and importance of what is being passed down.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

heritage

Focuses more on cultural or traditional inheritance.

inheritance

Emphasizes the act of receiving something from a predecessor, often in a legal or familial context.

bequest

Specifically refers to something given in a will.

enduring impact

Highlights the lasting effect or influence of someone or something.

lasting effect

Similar to enduring impact, but with a slightly broader scope.

footprint

Metaphorically represents the lasting impression or influence.

historical footprint

Focuses on what has been left in the past and can't be easily removed.

monument

Signifies something built or established to commemorate a person or event.

testament

Implies evidence or proof of something's existence or quality.

something to remember

Describes someone or something to be kept in mind.

FAQs

How can I use the word "legacy" in a sentence?

You can use "legacy" to refer to something inherited from the past, like "The artist's legacy continues to inspire new generations." or to describe the long-lasting impact of someone's actions.

What is a good alternative to the word "legacy"?

Depending on the context, you could use "heritage", "inheritance", or "enduring impact".

What does it mean to leave a "legacy"?

To leave a "legacy" means to leave behind something of lasting value or significance that will be remembered and appreciated by future generations.

Is it correct to use "legacy" to describe something negative?

Yes, "legacy" can describe something negative. For example, you might refer to "the legacy of colonialism" to discuss its harmful effects.