we are left

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "we are left" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to indicate that something has been done to the point that there is nothing else to do. For example, "After all the preparations, we are left with nothing more than to sit back and hope for the best."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"We are left without radar".

The New York Times

We are left to wonder.

The New York Times

"We are left orphans".

The New York Times

We are left guessing.

The Guardian

And we are left with several questions.

The New York Times

We are left in a difficult place.

The New York Times

We are left with Shakespeare's line.

The New York Times

We are left to ponder several scenarios.

Independent

We are left with a standoff.

The Guardian - Opinion

We are left, then, with organizational regulation.

The New Yorker

"Then we are left without good friends".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "we are left" to clearly indicate the consequences or remaining conditions after a series of actions or events. Ensure the context makes it clear what actions led to the current state.

Common error

Avoid using "we are left" when you intend to express an active choice or action taken by "us". The phrase implies a passive state where external forces have determined the outcome.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we are left" functions as a passive construction, indicating a state or condition that results from a previous action or event. Ludwig's examples show it being used to express consequences, remaining options, or unfulfilled expectations.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Science

18%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "we are left" is a versatile construction used to describe a resulting state or consequence. Ludwig AI confirms it is correct and usable in written English. Analysis of the provided examples shows that it appears most frequently in news and media contexts, but it is also common in scientific and business writing. The phrase functions as a passive construction, indicating a condition that has been imposed or remains after a prior action or event. While "we are left" is generally considered grammatically correct and widely used, it's important to use it when referring to circumstances caused by external forces rather than an action actively chosen. Related phrases like "we remain" or "we end up" can provide alternative ways to express similar ideas with slightly different nuances.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we end up

This indicates the final outcome or destination of a process.

we remain

This option emphasizes the continuation of a state or condition.

we're now

Emphasizes the temporal aspect of the resulting state.

we find ourselves

This alternative highlights the subjective experience of ending up in a specific situation.

we face

This emphasizes the confrontation with a particular situation or challenge.

we are reduced

This phrase indicates a decrease or simplification to a certain state.

we are stuck

This alternative indicates being trapped or unable to move on from a situation.

we are consigned

This suggests being assigned or relegated to a certain fate.

we are abandoned

This conveys a sense of being forsaken or deserted.

we inherit

Suggests receiving something as a consequence or legacy.

FAQs

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

Use "we are left" to describe a situation that remains or a consequence that results after something has happened. For example, "After the storm, "we are left" with a lot of debris to clean up".

What are some alternatives to "we are left"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "we remain", "we end up", or "we find ourselves".

Is it correct to say "we are leave" instead of "we are left"?

No, "we are leave" is grammatically incorrect. The correct phrase is ""we are left"", which uses the past participle of the verb "leave".

What is the difference between "we are left" and "we were left"?

"We are left" refers to the present state, while "we were left" refers to a past state. For example, "Now, "we are left" to consider our options" (present), versus "Yesterday, "we were left" with no choice" (past).