that were left

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "that were left" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to items or people that remain after others have been removed or have departed. Example: "The cookies that were left on the table were quickly eaten by the children."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

The good jobs that were left increasingly went to robots.

The Guardian - Opinion

The old swamps that were left became protected wetlands.

The New York Times

But there were other trades that were left unexamined.

The New York Times

The episode tried to mention all the plots that were left unsolved last season.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

They killed everyone, and the people that were left were the clones.

The New York Times - Magazine

I stuffed my pockets with the peppermint candies that were left out.

The New Yorker

There were also ideas for reforming the party that were left on the shelf.

The Guardian

It was then made into small cakes that were left to dry in the sun.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

He did not respond to a series of messages, seeking comment, that were left for him.

The New York Times

The I.O.C. board's decisions were less satisfying for those involved with sports that were left out.

The New York Times - Sports

They have filled buildings — homes, schools, mosques — that were left vacant or had been under construction.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "that were left", ensure the context clearly indicates what was originally present and what circumstances led to certain items or entities being left behind.

Common error

Avoid using "that was left" when referring to multiple items. Remember that "were" is for plural subjects, while "was" is for singular.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "that were left" functions as a relative clause modifying a noun. It provides additional information about the nouns it modifies, specifying which items or entities remained after a certain action or event. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "that were left" is a grammatically correct and frequently used relative clause that specifies remaining items or entities. Ludwig AI confirms its accuracy and common usage. It is prevalent in news, scientific, and business contexts, indicating its versatility across different registers. When using this phrase, ensure subject-verb agreement and clarity about the initial state and subsequent actions. Consider using alternatives like "that remained" or "that stayed behind" for subtle differences in meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

that remained

Focuses on the act of staying behind.

that stayed behind

Emphasizes the action of not departing.

that were remaining

Highlights the ongoing process of being left.

which remained

Uses a more formal relative pronoun.

those that remained

Replaces "that" with "those" to refer to specific items or people.

that persisted

Highlights the idea of continuing to exist or endure.

that survived

Implies a sense of overcoming a challenge or difficulty.

that were leftover

Suggests something is residual or unused.

the remainder

Uses a noun phrase to refer to what is left.

the residue

Uses a noun phrase to denote the remaining substance or items.

FAQs

How can I use "that were left" in a sentence?

Use "that were left" to describe items or people that remain after others have been removed or departed. For example, "The cookies "that were left" on the table were quickly eaten."

What can I say instead of "that were left"?

You can use alternatives like "that remained", "that stayed behind", or "that were remaining" depending on the context.

Is it ever correct to say "that was left" instead of "that were left"?

Yes, use "that was left" when referring to a singular noun, for instance: "The piece of cake "that was left" was stale." "That were left" is only correct for plural nouns.

What's the difference between "that were left" and "that remained"?

"That were left" implies a selection or removal process, whereas "that remained" simply indicates what continues to exist. The nuance depends on whether something actively caused items to be 'left'.