what's left

USAGE SUMMARY

"what's left" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It can be used to refer to something that remains or is still available after other things have been used or taken away. Here are a few examples: 1. After the hurricane, only the foundations of the houses were left. Everything else was destroyed. 2. We already finished most of the project, but there is still some work left to do. 3. He spent all his money on the trip, so now he has nothing left in his bank account. 4. What's left of the cake after the party? Did anyone save a slice for me? 5. The team tried their best, but in the end, they couldn't do anything about what was left of their reputation.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

What's left?

The New York Times

What's left of it".

Independent

What's left to accomplish?

The New York Times

So what's left?

The New York Times - Arts

This is what's left.

The New York Times - Sports

What's left of me?

The New Yorker

"What's left here?

The New York Times - Arts

"Then see what's left".

The New Yorker

"Now what's left?

The New York Times - Sports

"What's left of Shyrokyno?

Independent

What's left is sadism.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "what's left" to express a consequence, consider adding context to clarify the cause. For example, "What's left after the budget cuts is a severely understaffed department."

Common error

Avoid using "what's left" when referring to things that have been completely exhausted or no longer exist. Instead, use phrases like "all that's gone" or "what used to be".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "what's left" functions as a nominal phrase, often serving as a subject or object in a sentence. It refers to the remaining portion or residue of something. As Ludwig AI suggests, it's a common and grammatically correct construction.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Formal & Business

7%

Wiki

4%

Less common in

Science

1%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "what's left" is a grammatically correct and very common phrase used to refer to the remainder of something. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and common usage. It is most frequently found in news and media contexts, with a neutral register. When using "what's left", be mindful of the context and consider alternatives like "what remains" or "the remainder" depending on the nuance you wish to convey. Ensure that the phrase accurately reflects the situation and avoid using it when something has been entirely depleted.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

what remains

Focuses on the portion that still exists, often implying a reduction from an original state.

the remainder

Highlights the portion that is left over, often after a specific allocation or deduction.

what's remaining

Similar to "what remains", but emphasizes the ongoing state of existence.

the residue

Implies a trace or remnant that persists, often after a process or event.

the balance

Implies a remaining quantity after debits and credits or gains and losses.

the remnant

Focuses on a small, often historical or symbolic, remaining part.

the leftovers

Specifically refers to what remains after a meal or consumption.

what's outstanding

Focuses on items that are yet to be completed or addressed.

the consequences

Shifts the focus to the effects or outcomes that result from a prior action or event.

the fallout

Similar to "the consequences", but emphasizes the negative or unintended results.

FAQs

How can I use "what's left" in a sentence?

You can use "what's left" to inquire about or describe the remaining amount of something. For example, "What's left of the pizza?" or "What's left is a pile of rubble".

What can I say instead of "what's left"?

You can use alternatives like "what remains", "the remainder", or "the residue", depending on the context.

Is it ever incorrect to use "what's left"?

While grammatically correct, using "what's left" might be inappropriate if you are referring to something that has been completely depleted or destroyed. In such cases, consider alternatives like "all that's gone".

What's the difference between "what's left" and "what remains"?

While similar, "what's left" often implies a sense of reduction or depletion, whereas "what remains" is a more neutral term for describing the portion that still exists.