be left unlocked

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be left unlocked" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when giving instructions or describing a state where something should remain accessible without a lock. Example: "For safety reasons, the emergency exit should be left unlocked at all times."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

Churches are less and less likely, however, to be left unlocked on weekdays.

The New Yorker

On Tuesday, prison guard Sibongile Ncube told a coronial inquest at Perth magistrate's court that the room used to be left unlocked between 7.30am and 6.30pm so prisoners could get supplies to clean their cells.

The Guardian

- The liquor cabinet can safely be left unlocked.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

Doors are left unlocked.

The Economist

Steve Coleman, a Port Authority spokesman, said it was left unlocked.

The New York Times

Cars and houses are left unlocked; police are absent or invisible; no one is looking for a fight.

The Guardian - Travel

Piled wooden canvas stretchers could be glimpsed through a window of the garage; the doors had been left unlocked.

The New York Times

Bikes and kayaks – used by the residents to get to work in central Copenhagen – are left unlocked.

The Guardian

The white bicycles were left unlocked around the city, to be used by anyone in need of transport.

The Guardian

Then she walked up the driveway – "which was laced with purple velvet" – before discovering that his front door had been left unlocked.

The Guardian - Music

The gallery's director, Emily Ansenk, dismissed as nonsense reports that a back emergency door had been left unlocked for the thieves, who made their way into the museum on Tuesday morning without leaving obvious pry marks.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "be left unlocked", ensure the context clearly indicates who is responsible for leaving it unlocked and whether it was intentional or accidental.

Common error

Avoid using "be left unlocked" when you intend to convey a sense of carelessness or negligence. Instead, use stronger terms like "abandoned" or "neglected" if the situation warrants it.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be left unlocked" functions as a passive verb phrase. It describes a state resulting from an action (leaving something unlocked), emphasizing that something is in an accessible, unsecured condition. Ludwig examples show it used to describe doors, cars, and even abstract concepts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "be left unlocked" is a grammatically sound passive verb phrase used to describe a state of accessibility, indicating that something has not been secured with a lock. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it's a common phrase, particularly in news and media contexts. When using it, clarity regarding the actor and intention behind leaving something unlocked is crucial. Alternatives like "remain unsealed" or "stay open" may be more appropriate depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

not be locked

A direct negative statement indicating the absence of locking, similar in meaning but with a slightly different emphasis.

be unsecured

Highlights the lack of security measures, suggesting a broader vulnerability than just the absence of a lock.

stay open

Implies a continuous state of being accessible, differing in that it emphasizes the action of remaining open rather than the state.

be without a lock

Emphasizes the absence of a locking mechanism, which is a broader concept than just being unlocked.

be without security

Similar to 'be unsecured', this highlights the lack of protection or safety measures.

remain unsealed

Focuses on the state of not being closed or fastened, often implying official closure.

be freely accessible

Focuses on the ease of access, suggesting availability to anyone without restrictions.

be left ajar

Implies a partially open state, which is a specific type of being unlocked.

be unfastened

Indicates the absence of any fastening, not just a lock, encompassing a wider range of closures.

be reachable

Focuses on the ability to gain access, broader than just the locking mechanism.

FAQs

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

You can use "be left unlocked" to describe a state where something is accessible without a key. For example: "The back door should "be left unlocked" during business hours for deliveries."

What does it mean when something "be left unlocked"?

When something "be left unlocked", it means it wasn't secured with a lock, making it accessible without needing a key or combination.

What can I say instead of "be left unlocked"?

Alternatives include "remain unsealed", "stay open", or "be unsecured" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "be left unlocked"?

Yes, "be left unlocked" is grammatically correct and commonly used. As Ludwig AI confirms, it’s a usable phrase in written English.