be left open

USAGE SUMMARY

"be left open" is a perfectly acceptable phrase in written English.
You can use it when you want to describe something that was not resolved or ended in a final way. For example, "The question of who should get the last piece of cake was left open."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

But the matter must be left open.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The markets must be left open".

The New York Times

This question will be left open here, since there is widespread disagreement about it.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Ticket gates at transport hubs in the capital may be left open to reduce congestion.

The Economist

A mosquito screen was provided so the rear hatch could be left open.

The New York Times

A prime tenet of New Urbanism is that neighborhoods be left open instead of being gated.

The New York Times

"I can't ask that the seat next to me be left open.

The New York Times

It is expected that more than 25percentt of the site would be left open.

The New York Times

A gate to the outside world was supposed to be left open.

The New York Times

The priest asked that the windows be left open so that the people standing outside could hear the service.

The New York Times

(The fire stair must be fully enclosed, while the main circulation stair will be left open to the interior).

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "be left open" when you want to indicate that a decision, topic, or physical space remains accessible or unresolved. This phrasing is suitable for various contexts, from abstract discussions to literal openings.

Common error

While "be left open" is a valid passive construction, avoid overuse of passive voice in your writing. Sometimes, an active voice can provide more directness and clarity. For instance, instead of "the investigation will be left open", consider "investigators will keep the investigation open" to emphasize agency.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be left open" functions as a passive verb phrase, indicating that the subject is acted upon, rather than performing the action. As seen in Ludwig's examples, it's used to describe a state of accessibility, unresolved status, or lack of finality.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

69%

Encyclopedias

10%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Science

8%

Formal & Business

3%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "be left open" is a grammatically correct and frequently used passive construction that indicates a state of accessibility or lack of resolution. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is perfectly acceptable in written English and can be used to describe something that remains unresolved or accessible. Its neutral tone makes it versatile for various contexts, predominantly appearing in news and media, encyclopedias, and wiki sources. When using "be left open", be mindful of passive voice overuse and consider whether active voice might provide more directness in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

remain unresolved

Focuses on the lack of resolution of an issue.

not be finalized

Emphasizes the absence of a final decision or conclusion.

stay accessible

Highlights the aspect of accessibility rather than a lack of closure.

be subject to further review

Suggests that something will be examined again in the future.

be kept pending

Implies a deliberate delay in making a decision.

be available for discussion

Highlights the openness to further debate or consideration.

be allowed to continue

Focuses on permission for an activity to proceed.

be an ongoing issue

Highlights the continuous nature of a problem or concern.

remain in operation

Emphasizes the ongoing functionality of something.

be up for grabs

Indicates that something is available to anyone.

FAQs

How can I use "be left open" in a sentence?

The phrase "be left open" is used to describe something that remains accessible, unresolved, or not finalized. For example, "The possibility of further negotiations should "be left open"." It's common in discussions about decisions, investigations, or physical spaces.

What are some alternatives to "be left open"?

Depending on the context, you can use phrases like "remain unresolved", "stay accessible", or "not be finalized" as alternatives to "be left open".

When is it appropriate to use "be left open"?

It's appropriate when you want to convey that something is intentionally or unintentionally not closed, decided, or sealed. For example, "The terms of the agreement should "be left open" for potential revisions."

Is "be left open" formal or informal?

"Be left open" is generally neutral in tone and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. Its suitability depends more on the surrounding vocabulary and the overall purpose of the writing.