be left untouched

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be left untouched" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something should remain in its original state without any alterations or interference. Example: "The historical artifacts in the museum should be left untouched to preserve their integrity."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

In riparian areas, bay should be left untouched.

University of California, Berkeley

It's safe to say that no industry will be left untouched by digital disruption.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Since it works with a photo, leaves may be left untouched on the plant.

Cornell University

Saturday's pub discussions and Monday's contestable musings must otherwise be left untouched.

Independent

Or did he just pick the book that would be left untouched the longest?

The New Yorker

This spending is expected to be left untouched in the budget proposal next week.

The Washington Post

Its northern half, a landmarked historic district, must essentially be left untouched.

The New York Times - Arts

It's a globalised world; we can't expect to be left untouched".

The Guardian

For her, the question is which depressions should be normalized and which should be left untouched.

The New Yorker

All of the exhibits will be left untouched, to change with the passage of time.

The Guardian

The second tier of bleachers, directly underneath the scoreboard, would be left untouched.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "be left untouched", ensure the context clearly indicates why something should be preserved or not altered. This adds clarity and purpose to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "be left untouched" in situations where the reason for non-interference is unclear. For instance, instead of saying "The data should be left untouched", specify why: "The raw data should be "be left untouched" to ensure the integrity of the analysis".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be left untouched" functions primarily as a passive verb phrase. It indicates that something is to remain in its original state, without any interference or alteration. Ludwig examples show it used across varied contexts from environmental conservation to budget proposals.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

59%

Science

17%

Academia

8%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "be left untouched" is a versatile and common expression used to advocate for the preservation of something in its original state. As Ludwig AI explains, it is grammatically correct and suitable for various contexts, spanning from scientific discourse to everyday news. It's essential to consider why something should "be left untouched" to give a complete vision to your text. While alternatives like "remain as is" or "stay unaltered" offer similar meanings, the specific choice depends on the nuance desired. With a strong presence in authoritative news sources and academic literature, mastering the usage of "be left untouched" can enhance the clarity and impact of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

remain as is

Emphasizes maintaining the current state without intervention.

stay unaltered

Highlights the absence of changes or modifications.

be preserved

Focuses on maintaining something's original condition, especially against decay or damage.

be kept intact

Stresses the wholeness and undamaged state of something.

remain inviolate

Suggests a strong sense of protection and resistance to violation or intrusion.

be kept sacrosanct

Implies a high degree of reverence and untouchability.

be allowed to persist

Focuses on permitting something to continue existing without interference.

be let alone

Indicates that something should not be bothered or interfered with.

be exempt from modification

Highlights that something is excluded from being changed or altered.

be immune to changes

Suggests that something is not susceptible to alterations or transformations.

FAQs

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

You can use "be left untouched" to describe something that should remain in its original state without any changes or alterations. For example: "The historical documents should "be left untouched" to preserve their authenticity".

What does it mean when something should "be left untouched"?

When something should "be left untouched", it means it should not be altered, modified, or interfered with in any way. This is often to preserve its original condition, integrity, or purpose.

What are some alternatives to saying "be left untouched"?

Alternatives include "remain as is", "stay unaltered", or "be preserved". The best alternative depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "be left untouched"?

It's appropriate to use "be left untouched" when you want to emphasize the importance of maintaining the original condition of something, whether it's data, artifacts, or natural resources. Ensure the context clearly explains why it should "be left untouched".