What is left? Pronunciation and usage in English

left means . Learn how to pronounce and use left through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of left

leftadjective

/lɛft/
Definition & pronunciation of left

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "left" in English. It's a surprisingly tricky word!

Here's the breakdown:

1. The Basic Pronunciation (Most Common):

  • Sounds like: "lefft" (like "leftover")
  • How to do it:
    • "le-": Pronounce this like "leh" – a short, clear "eh" sound, as in "bed."
    • "-fft": This is where it gets tricky. It's a combination of sounds:
      • "f": Say the "f" sound clearly.
      • "t": Immediately after the "f," say a very quick, light "t" sound. It's almost like you’re blending the "f" and "t" together. Don't pause between them.

2. The Older/More Formal Pronunciation (Less Common Now):

  • Sounds like: “leeft” (with a longer "ee" sound)
  • How to do it: This pronunciation is more common in British English and is slowly fading out of use in American English. It involves a longer, more sustained "ee" sound in the "-eft" part.

Tips for Getting It Right:

  • Don’t say “lef-t”. The pause between "left" and "t" is a common mistake.
  • Focus on the blended sound: Really try to link the “f” and “t” together smoothly.
  • Listen to examples: The best way to learn is to hear it. Here are some resources:

To help me give you even more specific advice, would you like me to:

  • Practice saying it with me?
  • Tell me which accent you’re trying to emulate (American or British)?

Usage and examples with the word left in English

Let's break down how to use the word "left" in English. It's a surprisingly versatile word with multiple meanings! Here's a categorized breakdown:

1. As a Direction (Most Common)

  • Meaning: Opposite of "right." Indicates a direction.
  • Examples:
    • "I turned left at the corner."
    • "The path left goes uphill."
    • "She walked left out of the building."

2. Past Tense of "Leave"

  • Meaning: To go away, abandon, or depart.
  • Examples:
    • "I left home yesterday." (Past tense of "leave")
    • "He left the party early."
    • "She left her keys behind."

3. Remaining/Remaining Amount

  • Meaning: What is or stays after something is taken away.
  • Examples:
    • "There are only three cookies left." (meaning remaining cookies)
    • "I have $10 left in my wallet."
    • "He left a good impression on the interviewer." (meaning he remained)

4. Left (of a Thing)

  • Meaning: The side of something that is furthest away from you.
  • Examples:
    • "The book is left on the table." (The book is on the table’s left side)
    • “Wear your jacket on your left side.”

5. Left (as in "left-handed")

  • Meaning: Descriptive of someone who is ambidextrous or uses their left hand more often.
  • Examples:
    • "He is left-handed."
    • "She writes with her left hand."

6. Left (in a Legal Sense - Inheritance)

  • Meaning: What is remaining after debts and expenses are paid in an estate.
  • Examples:
    • “She received the left of her grandmother’s estate.” (meaning the remaining portion)

7. Left (as in “Left Behind”)

  • Meaning: Remaining when others have departed.
  • Examples:
    • “He felt left behind at the party.”
    • “She was left behind after everyone else had left.”

8. Left (Sports - particularly in Football/Soccer)

  • Meaning: The side where the goalkeeper stands.
  • Examples:
    • “The goalkeeper’s left post.”

Let's look at some tricky cases and common errors:

  • "Left over" vs. "Leftovers": "Left over" (adjective) describes something that’s remaining after a meal. "Leftovers" (noun) are the actual food that’s left.

    • "There were left over sandwiches."
    • "Let’s eat the leftovers."

  • "Left to" vs. "Left alone": "Left to" means “allowed to” or “permitted to.” “Left alone” means abandoned or without company.

    • "He was left to his own devices." (allowed to entertain himself)
    • “She felt left alone after her friends moved away.”

Resources for More Information:

To help me give you even more targeted advice, could you tell me:

  • What kind of context are you using "left" in? (e.g., describing directions, talking about possessions, etc.)
  • Is there a specific sentence or situation you're struggling with?

Synonyms for the word left

Idioms of the word left

have two left feet
(informal)to be very awkward in your movements, especially when you are dancing or playing a sport

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