was left standing

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "was left standing" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone or something that remains in a position or state after others have been removed or have fallen away. Example: "After the intense competition, only one contestant was left standing, ready to claim the prize."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The prison was left standing.

The New Yorker

"Nobody was left standing.

The New York Times - Magazine

It's what was left standing.

The New Yorker

Only Arafat's office was left standing amid mounds of rubble.

The Guardian

"During my husband's wake, I was left standing by myself.

The Guardian

Two years later, not one ideological brick was left standing".

The Guardian - Books

Mr. Brauchli went unmentioned and was left standing silently by.

The New York Times

Worst hit was Pisco, a once flourishing port where almost nothing was left standing.

The Economist

The museum was disbanded; one synagogue was left standing, and few Jews survived.

The New York Times - Arts

They would fight until only one man was left standing, governor or otherwise.

The New Yorker

A credit represents one ton of carbon dioxide not emitted because a forest was left standing.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "was left standing" to vividly depict resilience or unexpected survival after a destructive event or challenging situation. It adds a sense of stark contrast and emphasizes the remaining presence.

Common error

Avoid using "was left standing" when simply describing an object that is currently standing without any implication of prior adversity or loss. It is more appropriate when contrasting with something that is no longer present or functional.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "was left standing" functions as part of the predicate in a sentence, typically describing the state of a subject after an event or situation has occurred. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a correct and usable expression in English. Examples show it describing physical objects, people, and even abstract concepts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

63%

Wiki

13%

Science

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Encyclopedias

4%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "was left standing" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. Its primary function is to describe the state of a subject that has survived or persisted while others have succumbed or disappeared. It is widely employed in various contexts, including news, science, and general writing, with a neutral register. When writing, use this phrase to underscore resilience or surprising endurance, while avoiding its application in situations lacking a prior sense of adversity. Ludwig provides ample examples that showcase the phrase's diverse applications, ensuring clarity and precision in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

was still standing

Highlights the fact of remaining in an upright position.

stayed standing

Emphasizes the action of continuing to stand despite challenges.

remained erect

Focuses on the physical aspect of staying upright after others have fallen.

stood its ground

Conveys the idea of defending a position and not being defeated.

was the only one remaining

Focuses on being the sole entity that exists after others are gone.

withstood the impact

Emphasizes resisting a force or pressure.

survived unscathed

Highlights the idea of emerging without harm from a destructive event.

persisted through

Emphasizes endurance and overcoming obstacles to remain.

endured the ordeal

Highlights surviving a difficult or painful experience.

came through

A more informal way of saying someone or something survived a challenge.

FAQs

How can I use "was left standing" in a sentence?

Use "was left standing" to describe a person, object, or structure that remained erect or functional after others had fallen or been destroyed. For instance, "After the storm, only the old oak tree "was left standing"."

What are some alternatives to "was left standing"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives such as "remained intact", "survived unscathed", or "continued to stand" to convey similar meanings.

Is it correct to say "was remain standing" instead of "was left standing"?

No, "was remain standing" is grammatically incorrect. The correct phrasing is ""was left standing"" which uses the passive voice correctly.

What does it imply when something "was left standing"?

It often implies a sense of resilience, survival, or unexpected endurance. It suggests that other things were destroyed, removed, or failed, while the subject "was left standing", often highlighting its strength or luck.