it was left open

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it was left open" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a situation where something, such as a door or a discussion, was not closed or concluded. Example: "After the meeting, it was left open for further discussion at a later date."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

Thus, in its absence, it was left open for the judge to make the decision he did.

Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations

The slim, narrow, young male bodies were accentuated by a cut usually shaped for an older man: the double-breasted jacket, but it was left open to give a cutaway effect.

The New York Times

"Those who follow the show might remember at the end of series one there was a slightly odd feeling because some of it was wrapped up in case the show never returned and some of it was left open in case it did - so there was no guarantee the show was going to continue," he said.

Independent

These had been running at between £12,500 and £20,000 where a final settlement was made, and up to £7,000 where it was left open for the claimant to come back for more if a serious condition developed later.

The Guardian - Money

It was left open in the study protocol which biomarkers would be tested.

Annals of Intensive Care

It was left open that other authorization could allow for, and be currently used to, collect location data.

TechCrunch

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

People close to the company said it was leaving open the possibility that it would track aggregate patterns in the future, but in a way that is more consistent with methods used by other service providers.

The New York Times

Instead, it is left open, like the deck of a ship, from where you can gaze down at some of the original rusting columns.

The Guardian - Arts

It is left open whether anything like the transformed Shepperton he describes exists or is no more than Blake's delusion.

The Guardian - Books

The alley is protected by a steel gate designed by the artist Kevin Leeper, and it is left open for visitors daily between roughly noon and 5 p.m. Green Thumb The forest consists of cherry, cypress and Japanese maple trees plus a pair of redwoods, the tallest of which is four stories high.

The New York Times

It is left open that knowledge of Forms is somehow basic.

SEP

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it was left open" to indicate that a decision, topic, or possibility remains available for future consideration or has not been fully resolved. This construction is suitable for formal writing and discussions.

Common error

Avoid relying excessively on passive constructions like "it was left open", as overuse can make your writing sound weak or indirect. Consider active voice alternatives when appropriate for more direct and engaging communication.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it was left open" functions as a passive construction used to indicate that a matter, decision, or possibility remains unresolved or available for further consideration. Ludwig confirms its usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Science

33%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

4%

Wiki

8%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "it was left open" is a grammatically sound and usable passive construction that signifies something remains unresolved or available for further consideration. Ludwig's analysis, which confirms the phrase's validity, demonstrates its use across various contexts, with a higher frequency in News & Media and Scientific sources. While suitable for both formal and informal communication, its neutral tone makes it well-suited for professional and academic writing. When using this phrase, be mindful of avoiding overuse of the passive voice and consider active alternatives for a more direct style.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it remained unresolved

Emphasizes the lack of a final decision or solution.

it stayed open

Highlights that something was not closed or finalized.

it was not decided

Focuses on the absence of a definitive decision.

it was kept pending

Indicates a temporary holding state awaiting future action.

it remained available

Highlights the continued accessibility or possibility.

it was not concluded

Stresses the lack of a final resolution or completion.

it was deferred

Implies postponement to a later time.

the matter was unresolved

Shifts the focus to the issue itself being undecided.

no decision was reached

Emphasizes the lack of agreement or resolution.

the issue was tabled

Indicates the topic was set aside for later discussion.

FAQs

What does "it was left open" mean?

The phrase "it was left open" means that something was not decided or resolved, and further discussion, action, or interpretation is possible. It implies a state of being unfinished or pending.

How can I use "it was left open" in a sentence?

You can use "it was left open" to indicate that a topic is still under consideration or that a decision has not been finalized. For example, "After the initial discussion, "it was left open" for further review next week."

What are some alternatives to "it was left open"?

Some alternatives include "it remained unresolved", "it stayed open", or "it was not decided". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is "it was left open" formal or informal?

"It was left open" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, although it's more commonly found in professional and academic writing than in casual conversation. The tone is generally neutral.