they were left behind

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "they were left behind" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where individuals or items were not taken along or were abandoned in a particular context. Example: "During the evacuation, some people were unable to board the bus in time, and they were left behind."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Academia

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

23 human-written examples

When the ice melted, they were left behind, leaving a little piece of Scotland on Manx soil.

The Guardian - Travel

Since they were left behind, she had to go back.

The New York Times

There are few old people because they were left behind.

The New York Times

But they were left behind by Europe's technological revolution and the first wave of globalisation.

The Economist

My mother doesn't have any childhood photos, any posed class pictures with her schoolmates — they were left behind, lost, destroyed.

The New Yorker

They were left behind in a legal dispute with the company handling relocations, but they are hoping to go, too.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

37 human-written examples

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Vice

That would result in "whole tracts of the country that don't just feel left behind – they are left behind," he said.

The Guardian

They expect that the men and children whom they are leaving behind will just ration their food and play in the snow.

The New York Times

we don't typically think of the children they are leaving behind," she says.

Huffington Post

They described situations where their children were left behind, not included, or bullied.

BMJ Open

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "they were left behind" to describe situations where a group of people or things were unintentionally or intentionally not taken along or were abandoned. It is suitable when you want to emphasize the act of being left in a particular state or location.

Common error

Avoid using "they were left behind" when a more active voice construction would be clearer and more direct. For instance, instead of "they were left behind by the retreating army", consider "the retreating army left them behind".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "they were left behind" primarily functions as a passive voice construction, indicating that a group of people or objects experienced the action of being left by someone or something else. Ludwig confirms this usage across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

61%

Formal & Business

11%

Academia

8%

Less common in

Science

6%

Wiki

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "they were left behind" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to describe situations where individuals or items were abandoned or not included. According to Ludwig, it appears frequently in news and media, as well as formal business and academic contexts. The phrase typically conveys a sense of abandonment or exclusion. When writing, consider whether an active voice construction might be clearer, but be confident in using "they were left behind" when the passive voice suits the emphasis you intend. Related phrases such as "they were abandoned" and "they were overlooked" can provide alternative phrasing options.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

they were abandoned

Emphasizes a complete forsaking with a more direct term.

they were deserted

Similar to abandoned but may imply a sudden or unexpected leaving.

they were forsaken

Highlights the sense of being deserted or abandoned, often with negative connotations.

they were overlooked

Focuses on the aspect of being missed or not noticed.

they were stranded

Implies being left without means to move or escape.

they were excluded

Highlights the act of being deliberately kept out.

they were forgotten

Highlights the aspect of being no longer remembered or considered.

they were marooned

Suggests being stranded or isolated, especially in a remote location.

they were omitted

Focuses on the act of being left out, typically from a list or group.

they were sidelined

Implies being moved to a less important position or role.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "they were left behind" to sound more active?

Consider using phrases like "they were abandoned", "they were deserted", or "someone left them behind". For instance, instead of "they were left behind", you might say "the army abandoned them" or "someone deserted them".

What is the difference between "they were left behind" and "they are left behind"?

"They were left behind" indicates a past event, while "they are left behind" suggests a present or ongoing state. For example, "They were left behind after the evacuation" refers to a past action, whereas "they are left behind by the new economic policies" implies a current situation.

Is it correct to use "they were left behind" in formal writing?

Yes, "they were left behind" is appropriate for formal writing. It is a grammatically sound phrase and can be used in various contexts, as demonstrated by its presence in reputable news sources and academic papers. However, ensure that the passive voice is the best choice for clarity and emphasis.

What are some situations where "they were left behind" might be used metaphorically?

"They were left behind" can be used metaphorically to describe being excluded from progress or changes, such as "they were left behind by technological advancements" or "they were left behind by the new social movement.