to be left

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "to be left" is grammatically correct and commonly used in written English.
It can be used in a variety of contexts, but it is most commonly used as part of the passive form of a verb. For example, "The cake needs to be left in the oven for 30 minutes" or "The decision was left to the committee to make." In these sentences, "to be left" follows the main verb and indicates that someone or something is the recipient of the action. It can also be used in the present or past tense, as in "I don't want to be left alone" or "All the work was left undone." In these examples, "to be left" expresses a state of being or an outcome. Overall, "to be left" can be used in a wide range of situations to indicate that someone or something is the object or recipient of an action, or to express a state of being or outcome.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"THE right to be left alone".

The Economist

But most prefer to be left alone.

The Economist

No one wants to be left behind.

The New York Times

Mom wanted to be left alone.

The New York Times - Magazine

"We just want to be left alone".

The New Yorker

NO one likes to be left out.

The New York Times

Diarists have to be left in privacy".

Independent

I just want to be left alone.

The New Yorker

She wanted to be left alone.

The Guardian

Guns have to be left behind.

The New Yorker

"They like to be left alone.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "to be left" in the passive voice, ensure the agent performing the action is either clearly implied or explicitly stated to avoid ambiguity. For instance, instead of saying "The decision is to be left," clarify with "The decision is to be left to the committee."

Common error

Avoid using "to be left" excessively in the passive voice, as it can make your writing sound vague or indirect. Opt for active voice constructions where appropriate to enhance clarity and impact. Instead of "The task was to be left undone by him," try "He left the task undone."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to be left" primarily functions as a passive infinitive. It indicates a state of being acted upon or a future action to be performed by an unspecified agent. Ludwig provides numerous examples demonstrating its usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "to be left" is a grammatically sound and very common phrase that functions primarily as a passive infinitive. As Ludwig AI points out, it's versatile and widely used in English writing. Its primary function is to indicate that something is in a state as a result of an action by an unspecified actor, it can be used in news and media, academia and business. It is important to use it when needing to add some nuance of a state of being a result of an external action. Remember to use it with caution when using passive voice, because clarity is key in effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to remain

Focuses on the state of staying behind or not being taken away.

to be abandoned

Emphasizes the act of being deserted or forsaken.

to be deserted

Similar to abandoned, but can also imply a place being emptied of people.

to be excluded

Highlights the act of being kept out or not included.

to be forsaken

Suggests a more profound abandonment, often with a sense of loss or betrayal.

to be omitted

Highlights the act of being left out intentionally.

to be forgotten

Implies being overlooked or no longer remembered.

to be disregarded

Emphasizes the lack of attention or importance given.

to be stranded

Highlights the state of being left in a difficult or isolated situation.

to be marooned

Implies being abandoned on an island or isolated place.

FAQs

How can I use "to be left" in a sentence?

You can use "to be left" as part of the passive voice, such as "The message needs "to be left" for John" or "The decision was "to be left" to the team".

What are some alternatives to "to be left"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "to remain", "to be abandoned", or "to be excluded".

Is it grammatically correct to say "to be left"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct. "To be left" is often used as part of the passive infinitive construction. As Ludwig AI says, it's commonly used in written English.

What does "to be left alone" mean?

The phrase "to be left alone" means to be allowed to be by oneself without being disturbed or interfered with.