they are left

USAGE SUMMARY

"they are left" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to indicate that something is no longer with someone. For example: "The other children had gone home, so they were left alone."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

54 human-written examples

Sometimes they are left".

The Economist

They are left.

The Guardian

They are left with nothing".

Independent

Some do, and they are left alone.

The New York Times

And often, they are left with nothing.

The New York Times

They are left and right brained.

The New Yorker

Occasionally, though, they are left baffled.

The New York Times

They are left to fume impotently.

The Guardian - Opinion

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

This is because they are left-handed.

Independent

And they are left out of the national conversation, he added.

The New York Times

Now they are left exposed by their bylines and handles.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "they are left", ensure the context clearly indicates who or what is doing the leaving. This avoids ambiguity and strengthens the clarity of your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "they are left" when an active construction would be more direct and engaging. For example, instead of "they are left with no choice", consider "circumstances leave them with no choice".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "they are left" primarily functions as a passive construction, indicating a state or condition resulting from an action performed by an unspecified agent. Ludwig confirms this widespread usage across various contexts. It emphasizes the subject's situation after something has been done to them, such as being abandoned or remaining after others have gone.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

58%

Academia

23%

Science

13%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "they are left" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to describe a state resulting from a previous action, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. It appears frequently across various contexts, from news and media to academic and scientific writing. When employing this phrase, ensure clarity regarding who or what caused them to be left in that state. While versatile, consider whether an active voice construction might be more impactful. As indicated by Ludwig's analysis, the phrase is most often used in neutral contexts, suggesting it's appropriate for diverse audiences and communication purposes. Remember to also explore related phrases like "they remain" or "they end up" for stylistic variation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

they remain

Focuses on the state of remaining instead of being left behind.

they end up

Highlights the final outcome or result of a situation.

they are abandoned

Emphasizes the act of being abandoned, a stronger and more direct term.

they are stranded

Suggests a helpless situation of being left without resources.

they are deserted

Implies a complete forsakenness, a more intense form of being left.

they are forsaken

Highlights the abandonment and loss of hope.

they suffer the consequences

Shifts the focus to the negative results experienced after being left in a state.

they are stuck

Indicates a situation where progress is impossible, being left in a difficult circumstance.

they are excluded

Focuses on the act of being left out or omitted from a group or opportunity.

they face the aftermath

Emphasizes dealing with the subsequent effects of an action or situation.

FAQs

How can I use "they are left" in a sentence?

The phrase "they are left" indicates a state of being after something or someone has departed or been removed. For example, "After the flood, "they are left" with nothing but debris".

What's the difference between "they are left" and "they were left"?

"They are left" indicates a present state resulting from a past action, while "they were left" indicates a past state. For example, "Now "they are left" to fend for themselves" (present) vs. "they were left to fend for themselves after the evacuation" (past).

What can I say instead of "they are left"?

You can use alternatives like "they remain", "they end up", or "they are abandoned" depending on the context.

Is it ever incorrect to use "they are left"?

While grammatically correct, "they are left" can sometimes be vague. Ensure the context clearly identifies who or what performed the action that resulted in them being left. If the actor is unclear, rephrase to improve clarity.