left on read

Meaning

This expression describes when someone reads your text message (often indicated by a 'read receipt' on apps like iMessage or WhatsApp) but does not reply to you. It usually carries a negative connotation, implying that the person is ignoring you, being rude, or disinterested.

Examples

• I asked him if we were still on for tonight, but he left me on read.

  I asked him if we were still on for tonight, but he left me on read.

• There is nothing more frustrating than being left on read when you ask an urgent question.

  There is nothing more frustrating than being left on read when you ask an urgent question.

• She hasn't texted back in three days; I've officially been left on read.

  She hasn't texted back in three days; I've officially been left on read.

• I didn't mean to leave you on read, I just got distracted by work and forgot to type a reply.

  I didn't mean to leave you on read, I just got distracted by work and forgot to type a reply.

• If he leaves you on read again, you should probably stop texting him.

  If he leaves you on read again, you should probably stop texting him.

Common Mistakes

• ✗ He read my message but left me on reading.

  ✓ He read my message but left me on read.

  The phrase uses the past participle 'read' (pronounced like 'red'), not the continuous form 'reading'.

• ✗ I left on read by my boss yesterday.

  ✓ I was left on read by my boss yesterday.

  You need the passive voice ('was left on read' or 'got left on read') when you are the recipient of this action.

Related Expressions

Practice

• I hate when I ask a question and get ___.

  💡 When someone reads your text but doesn't reply.

  Show answer

  left on read

• I sent him a message over an hour ago, but I was ___.

  💡 Ignored after they opened the text.

  Show answer

  left on read