has been left open

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'has been left open' is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to imply that something has been left in an unresolved or uncertain state. For example, "The outcome of the election has been left open until further notice."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

43 human-written examples

That debate has been left open by the French presidency.

The Guardian

The center of the roof, over the field, has been left open.

The New Yorker

But as the front door closes, the back door has been left open.

The Economist

Just what the challenge means has been left open to guessing.

The New York Times

What has been left open is the proposal that the British take over the weapon and develop it themselves.

The New York Times

But Amazon has made no headway in China either, and the field has been left open to Alibaba.

The Guardian - Opinion

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

17 human-written examples

Another set of eyes may also notice content that has been left open-ended or is otherwise confusing.

WikiHow

It was, Stahl thinks, "as though a door to heaven had been left open".

The New York Times - Books

Amid fierce fighting, the captives discovered that the door had been left open.

The New York Times - Health

Mr. Ramirez continued his home invasions, usually through a window that had been left open.

The New York Times

Why had that investigation been closed while Trump's had been left open, he demanded.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "has been left open", ensure the context clearly indicates what specifically remains unresolved or accessible. Clarity prevents ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "has been left open" when an active construction is more appropriate and direct. Overuse of the passive voice can make your writing sound weak or evasive.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "has been left open" functions as a passive construction, indicating that an action (leaving something open) has been performed on a subject, and the result of that action persists. As Ludwig AI explains, this construction is grammatically correct and widely applicable.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

25%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "has been left open" is a versatile phrase used to describe situations that are unresolved, accessible, or uncertain. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically sound and widely used, particularly in news, science, and general contexts. While the phrase itself is neutral, it's important to consider the context and whether an active voice construction might be more effective. Remember to avoid overuse and ensure clarity to prevent ambiguity. Considering alternatives like "remains unresolved" or "is subject to change" can also enhance the precision of your writing. The frequency analysis confirms that "has been left open" is indeed a commonly used phrase, solidifying its place in the English lexicon.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

remains unresolved

Focuses on the lack of a resolution or decision.

remains pending

Emphasizes that something is still waiting to be decided or completed.

has not been decided

Highlights the absence of a decision.

is still under consideration

Indicates that something is being actively thought about but not yet finalized.

is yet to be determined

Suggests that the outcome is unknown and will be decided in the future.

remains accessible

Focuses on the continued availability or openness of something.

has been kept available

Implies a conscious effort to maintain accessibility.

was not addressed

Highlights that an issue or question was not dealt with.

was not resolved

Indicates that a problem or conflict was not solved.

is subject to change

Emphasizes the possibility of future modifications or alterations.

FAQs

How can I use "has been left open" in a sentence?

You can use "has been left open" to indicate that a decision, possibility, or physical space remains accessible or unresolved. For example, "The investigation "has been left open" for further evidence".

What are some alternatives to "has been left open"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "remains unresolved", "is still pending", or "remains accessible".

Is it better to use active or passive voice with "has been left open"?

While "has been left open" is grammatically correct, consider whether an active voice construction would be more direct and impactful. The best choice depends on the specific context and desired emphasis.

What does "has been left open" imply about a situation?

It typically implies that a situation is incomplete, uncertain, or that opportunities or possibilities still exist. It suggests a lack of finality or closure.