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Remain/Stay/Be left - English lesson
Especially when you start English, the differences aren't important between these 2 verbs : TO REMAIN = TO STAY : the nuances are subtle.
1) REMAIN :
- To continue to be, without changing.
ex : In spite of his break up, he has remained cheerful and still goes out a lot.
- To stay behind or in the same place: to remain at home.
ex : Tom remained at home while the others were at the base-ball match.
'stayed at home' would have been possible here.
- To be left, as after use, consumption, the passage of time,
ex : The remains of a meal were scattered on the floor of the kitchen ! What a mess !
- To be left, to be done
ex : It remains to be said that he wasn't responsible for the mistake !
2) STAY :
- To continue or remain in a certain place, position, etc:
ex : Stay outside ! Don't come in with your dirty shoes ...
- To continue to be ; remain :
ex : Although she had taken a sleeping-pill, she stayed awake all night and couldn't close an eye.
- To remain for a specified period :
ex : Do you want to stay here the weekend?
3) Verb to LEAVE, LEFT, LEFT .
In the passive, 'to be left' corresponds to an active expression : to be left = to remain.
ex : Few people were left= There were few people left.
ex : I have $20 left.
ex : I'm afraid there's nothing left to eat : we'll have to eat out.
To Leave = to forget in such a place or in such a state.
ex : He left his keys in the drawer and couldn't come back home.

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