that may be left

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "that may be left" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to something that is potentially remaining or not taken away in a given context. Example: "After the meeting, we will discuss the tasks that may be left unfinished."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

27 human-written examples

And why, for that matter, is the automobile the one piece of personal property that may be left on the street -- and for no charge, except at meters?

The New York Times

With submergence, algal and coral growth resumes, the fastest growth being on the rim and on any pinnacles that may be left.

Encyclopedia Britannica

It has long been a mystery, to me anyway, why the automobile is the one piece of personal property that may be left on the street, and without charge except at parking meters.

The New York Times

Remove from the heat, gently stir in the tuna, eggs, olives and parsley, then transfer to a fine sieve to drain off any liquid that may be left in the sauce.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

While this typically voids any warranty that may be left on the phone or tablet, it is one way to get newer software, and the Web has plenty of instructions for doing so.

The New York Times - Tech

But if that doesn't happen, Senators like Mark Udall, Ron Wyden and Rand Paul could always hold the entire legislative push hostage – and use the one piece of leverage that may be left to protect what levels of privacy we had before we knew of Edward Snowden: the scheduled expiration of the Patriot Act.

The Guardian - Opinion

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

31 human-written examples

"This is unique evidence of a rental squeeze that may be leaving some tenants with little, or no, headroom left to pay more," says Rightmove director Miles Shipside.

The Guardian - Money

The scary thought is that there's the possibility that I may be left alone some day.

Vice

One concern with the paper is that readers may be left with impression that there is an imbalance between the amount of results reported and their discussion.

Biology Direct

He told the Guardian: "What we need to recognise is that certain lives fall into the negative, where pain hugely dwarfs those remaining pleasures that you may be left with.

The Guardian - Books

During template evaluation, it may happen that some element in the sequence does not fit in the candidate template, or some placeholder from that template may be left empty.

Journal of the Brazilian Computer Society

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "that may be left", ensure the context clearly indicates what process or event caused the potential leaving or remaining. This provides clarity and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "that may be left" when referring to people. This phrase is better suited for objects, tasks, or abstract concepts. For people, consider alternatives like "who might remain" or "who could still be present".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "that may be left" functions as a relative clause introducing a modal possibility. It modifies a preceding noun or pronoun, indicating a potential state of existence or condition after a certain action or event. Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

32%

Wiki

32%

Science

24%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

4%

Formal & Business

4%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "that may be left" is a grammatically sound and commonly used phrase to express the possibility of something remaining after an action or event. Ludwig AI analysis confirms it is versatile, appearing in diverse sources such as News & Media, Science and Wiki content. When utilizing this phrase, ensure that the context clarifies the nature of the potential remainder and avoid applying it to human subjects. Remember, according to Ludwig's examples and its AI insights, clarity and appropriate usage across varied communication registers are key for effective expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

what might remain

Highlights the potential for something to stay behind.

what could be remaining

Similar to "what might remain", but uses a continuous verb form.

what could still exist

Emphasizes the possibility of existence after a process or event.

what is perhaps still there

A more conversational alternative, emphasizing uncertainty.

what is possibly leftover

Focuses on items that are unused or unconsumed.

potentially surviving elements

Focuses on elements that have endured or overcome a challenge.

items potentially remaining

A more formal way of expressing the concept of remaining items.

residue that might exist

Specifically refers to trace amounts or remnants.

what is conceivably untouched

Highlights the possibility that something has not been affected.

what is possibly outstanding

Refers to items that have not yet been dealt with or completed.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "that may be left" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, consider using phrases like "what might remain", "items potentially remaining", or "residue that might exist", depending on the specific context and intended meaning.

When is it appropriate to use "that may be left"?

It's appropriate when referring to objects, tasks, or abstract concepts that could possibly remain after a certain process or event. For example: "Consider any debris "that may be left" inside."

What's a simple alternative to "that may be left"?

Simpler alternatives include phrases like "what's remaining", "what's leftover", or "what's still there", which are suitable for informal contexts.

Is there a difference between "that may be left" and "that might be left"?

The difference is subtle. "May" suggests a possibility with a reasonable chance of occurring, while "might" indicates a more remote possibility. In many cases, they are interchangeable.