left vs the left

Both "left" and "the left" are correct, but they are used in different contexts. "Left" is used when referring to direction or position, while "the left" is used when referring to a specific side or area.

Last updated: March 25, 2024 • 1295 views

This is correct when referring to direction or position.

"left"

Use "left" when indicating the direction or position opposite to right.

Examples:

Turn left at the intersection.
The book is on the left side of the shelf.

Show examples from the web [+]

I knew I left that journal somewhere.
All those people we left behind.
And his left arm extends straight.
Hook, hook, hook, left, left, left.
We heard somebody was left behind.
A document that Yoshizawa left behind.
And apparently left you some money.
You probably never left the West End.
Our ghost has left a reflection.
He left us money for repairs.
I left a trail even Wally could follow.
So I understand john gilbert has left town.
I just left that grieving, dignified woman...
I left an AA meeting for this.
When she left, Bartel's sense of humor left too.
The couple left early the next morning.
Drive. mile to destination on left.
Assuming Batman left anyone to buy from.
Your lab was shutdown after you left.
Humans left 25,000 objects orbiting the Earth.

Alternatives:

right
straight
behind
in front

This is correct when referring to a specific side or area.

"the left"

Use "the left" when specifying a particular side or area, such as in a room or on a street.

Examples:

The keys are on the table to the left.
The store is on the left side of the street.

Show examples from the web [+]

(Berlusconi) This is the photo of the left who governs us.
Third symbol from the left activates the crystal tray.
Controls the indent spacing from the left margin, for the first line.
Griffin cuts him with the left. Braddock is stepping in postholes.
The president's massive financial rescue plan under fire from the left and right.
There are rocks in the left rut.
Feast your eyes on the third-floor window Second from the left.
The 4th from the left is Padre Titino.
Third shelf, fourth from the left.
ZACK: Soccer Jack passes from the left...
Bullets don't come from the left.
I'm still an anarchist of the left, I suppose.
Prosper, me and you take the left.
Put the left hand deep inside her.
Another attack, this time in the left leg.
Indicate this man by counting from the left.
Take the left, take the left, take the left.
Removed a small-caliber bullet from the left ventricle.
Under the left corner of your computer.
Guarding in the left lower quadrant.

Alternatives:

the right
the front
the back
the corner

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left vs the left

"left"

"the left"

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