it leaves open

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it leaves open" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing possibilities or options that remain available after a certain action or decision. Example: "The new policy is flexible and it leaves open the possibility for future amendments."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

But it leaves open the question of pornography's effects.

The New Yorker

But it leaves open the question of how long the brake can remain in place.

Independent

When it melts, it leaves open water that absorbs the heat rather than reflecting it.

The New York Times

And whether it is a masterpiece or a monstrosity it leaves open to question.

The New York Times - Arts

But, if correct, it leaves open the question of who will be home secretary.

The Guardian

It leaves open the question of whether the contractors withheld information.

The New York Times

It leaves open to question which direction the company takes next.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

It leaves open the possibility that Sorkin will return to Houdini, which was never officially abandoned.

The Guardian

And it leaves open the question of how the state would really manage once the savings were spent.

The New York Times

It leaves open the question of whether the government contractors withheld information about those failures from military officials.

The New York Times

It leaves open the possibility that the properties could be sold to a third party for a higher bid.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "it leaves open", clarify what specific question, possibility, or area remains unresolved to avoid vagueness.

Common error

Avoid using "it leaves open" without clarifying what remains unresolved. A vague statement like "The report leaves open many questions" lacks impact. Instead, specify: "The report "it leaves open" the question of long-term funding and sustainability."

Linguistic Context

Function: The phrase "it leaves open" functions as a transitive verb phrase, indicating that the subject (it) allows for something to remain unresolved or undecided. As Ludwig AI confirms, this expression is grammatically correct and widely applicable. The examples provided in Ludwig demonstrate its use across diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

35%

Encyclopedias

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Wiki

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it leaves open" is a versatile and grammatically sound expression used to denote that a particular issue, question, or possibility remains unresolved. As Ludwig AI confirms, its usage is common across diverse contexts, particularly in news, scientific, and encyclopedic sources. Alternatives include phrases such as "it raises the question" or "it allows for", although they may convey subtly different nuances. When using "it leaves open", it's best practice to specify what remains unresolved. The most frequent authoritative sources that use it are The New York Times, The Guardian, and The New Yorker.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it keeps the door open

Suggests maintaining an opportunity or option, using a metaphorical expression.

it allows for

Emphasizes permission or possibility, differing slightly in tone from a pending resolution.

it doesn't rule out

Indicates that a specific possibility is still under consideration or is not discarded.

it raises the question

Focuses on the act of posing a question rather than implying possibilities remain.

it permits the possibility

Directly highlights the allowance of a potential outcome, differing in formality.

it suggests the potential

Highlights the potential for an outcome, differing from merely not closing it off.

it begs the question

Similar to raising a question, but often implies that the question is already present but avoided.

it does not preclude

Implies that something is not prevented, suggesting a more formal tone and avoiding explicit mentioning of potentiality.

it presents an opportunity

Highlights an available opportunity, differing from leaving something unresolved.

it remains unresolved

Focuses on the lack of resolution, but doesn't necessarily imply options are open.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "it leaves open" for variety?

Consider alternatives like "it raises the question", "it allows for", or "it permits the possibility" to add nuance to your writing.

Is "it leaves open" formal or informal?

"It leaves open" is suitable for neutral to formal contexts, commonly used in news, academic writing, and business reports. More informal alternatives might include phrases like "it keeps the door open".

What does "it leaves open" imply about a situation?

The phrase "it leaves open" implies that a particular issue or question has not been fully resolved or addressed, allowing for multiple possibilities or further discussion.

How do I use "it leaves open" effectively in a sentence?

Start with a subject and then specify what remains unresolved or possible. For example, "The investigation "it leaves open" the possibility of additional suspects".