to be left out

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "to be left out" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to someone or something that is excluded from a group, event, or situation. Example: "I felt disappointed when I realized I was to be left out of the planning for the surprise party."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"I didn't want to be left out".

The New York Times

He never wanted to be left out".

The New York Times

"He doesn't like to be left out".

The New Yorker

"She wasn't going to be left out," he wrote.

The Guardian - Arts

"Nobody wants to be left out," Mr. Harbert said.

The New York Times - Style

Why do we have to be left out?

The New York Times

"They don't want to be left out," he said.

The New York Times

Eager not to be left out, publishers are also doing the same.

The Economist

Not to be left out, even Chad, Sudan's longtime rival, had the president over, in July.

The New Yorker

Somebody in the top three is going to be left out in early October.

The New York Times

Not to be left out, the house of Valentino also dug a garden theme.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "to be left out", ensure the context clearly indicates what is being excluded and the implications of that exclusion.

Common error

Avoid using "to be left out" when a more precise term like "omitted" or "excluded" would better convey the specific nature of the exclusion.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "to be left out" is as a passive verb phrase. It describes the state of being excluded or omitted from something. As Ludwig AI confirms, this expression is indeed correct.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "to be left out" is a grammatically sound and frequently used passive verb phrase that expresses exclusion or omission. As Ludwig AI confirms, this expression is correct. It appears most often in news and media, with usage spanning across science and business contexts as well. When writing, ensure the scope of the exclusion is clear and consider more precise terms like "omitted" or "excluded" for improved clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to be excluded

Focuses more directly on the act of barring someone or something from participation.

to be omitted

Emphasizes the act of intentionally leaving something out, often in writing or speech.

to be excluded from consideration

Specifies that something is not being considered as a possibility or option.

to be passed over

Suggests that someone or something was intentionally ignored or not chosen.

to be sidelined

Implies that someone or something is moved to a less important or influential position.

to be marginalized

Indicates that someone or something is pushed to the edge of a group or society, often due to discrimination.

to be forsaken

Suggests a more severe form of abandonment or being left behind.

to be unincorporated

Focuses on the state of not being included or integrated into a larger entity or system.

to be skipped

Highlights the act of bypassing or overlooking something quickly.

to be deleted

Refers to the removal of something, often from a digital context.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "to be left out"?

You can use alternatives like "to be excluded", "to be omitted", or "to be passed over" depending on the context.

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

Yes, "to be left out" is grammatically correct and commonly used in English. It is a passive construction indicating exclusion.

What does it mean when someone says they don't want "to be left out"?

It generally means they want to be included in an activity, decision, or group and fear missing out on something important or enjoyable.

How do I use "to be left out" in a sentence?

You can use it in sentences like: "I felt sad "to be left out" of the party", or "No one wants "to be left out" of the decision-making process".