whatever is left

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "whatever is left" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when you want to refer to the remaining elements or items in a group of items. For example: "We had a lot of cake left over from the party, so I put whatever is left in the fridge."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Whatever is left will be thrown away.

The New York Times

And whatever is left over is theirs".

The New York Times - Magazine

You compute the new residual, which is whatever is left.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

The consumer must get by on whatever is left.

The New York Times

Whatever is left is carefully divided between utilities and groceries.

The Washington Post

The investors who own bad mortgages accept whatever is left.

The New York Times

Whatever is left over will be auctioned off".

The New York Times

If we overplay our hand, we'll lose whatever is left.

The New York Times

The winner has first pick of whatever is left over.

The New York Times - Magazine

Whatever is left over is yours to keep or to use to induce further reciprocity.

Harvard University

The market closes down at 3, with whatever is left over given to local food pantries.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "whatever is left" when you want to refer to the quantity or portion that exists or remains after some initial action or allocation. It implies a non-specific amount that depends on the circumstances.

Common error

Avoid using "whatever is left" when you know the precise quantity remaining. Instead, specify the amount or portion clearly to avoid ambiguity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "whatever is left" functions as a noun phrase, often acting as the subject or object of a sentence. It refers to the remaining portion or quantity after something has been used or distributed. Ludwig examples show it describing physical objects, abstract concepts, and even time.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Academia

25%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Science

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "whatever is left" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase that functions as a noun phrase, indicating the remaining portion or quantity. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and widespread usage across various contexts, including news, academic writing, and everyday conversation. Its frequency is very common, particularly in news and media sources. When using the phrase, ensure you understand its scope and avoid using it when the precise quantity is known. Consider alternatives like "what remains" or "the remainder" depending on the nuance you want to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

what remains

Focuses on the surviving part after something has been diminished or altered.

the remainder

Emphasizes the quantity or portion that is still present.

the residue

Highlights the trace or remnant of something.

what's outstanding

Implies that a task or obligation is still not completed.

the balance

Suggests a remaining amount, often in a financial or accounting context.

what persists

Implies that something continues to exist despite challenges.

the surplus

Indicates an excess or overabundance that is left over.

the leftover

Points to the uneaten food or unused materials after a meal or project.

what is salvaged

Emphasizes the act of saving or rescuing something from loss or destruction.

the remnant

Highlights a small part or quantity of something that remains after the rest has ceased to exist.

FAQs

How can I use "whatever is left" in a sentence?

The phrase "whatever is left" is used to refer to the remaining portion or amount. For example, "After paying the bills,"whatever is left" will be saved."

What are some alternatives to "whatever is left"?

Alternatives include "what remains", "the remainder", or "the residue". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "what is left" instead of "whatever is left"?

Yes, "what is left" is also grammatically correct and often interchangeable with "whatever is left". The nuance lies in emphasis; "whatever" implies any amount that happens to be remaining, while "what" is more general.

How does "whatever is left" differ from "everything that is left"?

"Whatever is left" implies an unspecified amount, whereas "everything that is left" emphasizes the entirety of the remaining items or amount. The difference is one of specificity and emphasis.