what was left

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "what was left" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to the remaining parts or items after something has been removed or taken away. Example: "After the storm passed, we surveyed what was left of the garden."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

So, what was left?

The New York Times

What was left out?

The New York Times

What was left?

The New York Times

What was left to accomplish?

The New York Times - Arts

What was left for them?

The Economist

What was left of it.

The New Yorker

What was left to prove?

The New York Times

What was left to discuss?

The New York Times

The Soviets expropriated what was left.

The New Yorker

"What was left was to go up".

The New York Times

What was left did melt away locally.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "what was left" to clearly indicate the portion or amount that remains after a process, event, or action has taken place. For example: "After the fire, what was left was a scene of devastation."

Common error

Avoid using "what was left" when referring to abstract concepts that cannot be physically reduced or diminished. For example, instead of saying "What was left of his hope was despair", consider "All that remained of his hope was despair."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "what was left" functions as a noun clause, often serving as the subject or object of a sentence. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically sound and widely used. It refers to the remainder or residue after something has been removed or consumed, indicating a state or condition resulting from a previous action.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

98%

Formal & Business

1%

Science

1%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "what was left" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase that functions as a noun clause to describe the remaining portion after something has been removed or consumed. According to Ludwig AI, it is widely accepted and versatile across various contexts. Predominantly found in news and media, its register is generally neutral, making it suitable for both formal and informal communication. When using this phrase, ensure you clearly indicate the process or event that led to the reduction or depletion. Consider alternatives like "what remained" or "the remainder" to subtly shift the emphasis based on the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

what remained

Focuses on the remaining portion without specifying an action of leaving.

what's remaining

A more conversational and contracted form of "what remained".

the remainder

Indicates the quantity or portion that is still available or present.

the residue

Implies a leftover substance or trace, often after a chemical process or event.

the remnant

Implies a small remaining part of something that was once larger or more significant.

the balance

Suggests the remaining amount or portion to achieve equilibrium or completion.

the surviving part

Emphasizes survival or endurance of a portion after a destructive event.

the leftovers

Specifically refers to food remaining after a meal.

the unclaimed portion

Highlights that the remaining part is available or not yet taken.

the unconsumed part

Focuses on the aspect of not being used or finished.

FAQs

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

Use "what was left" to describe the remaining portion after something has been used, consumed, or removed. For example, "After the party, "what was left" was a pile of dirty dishes."

What can I say instead of "what was left"?

You can use alternatives like "what remained", "the remainder", or "the leftovers" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "what's left" instead of "what was left"?

Yes, "what's left" is a grammatically correct contraction of "what is left", often used in present tense contexts, while "what was left" is used for past tense contexts. Both are correct, but the tense should match the context.

When should I use "what was left" versus "what was remaining"?

"What was left" implies a more active process of something being removed or consumed. "What was remaining" is more passive, simply indicating what is still present. The best choice depends on whether you want to emphasize the action that caused the reduction.