leave down

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'leave down' is not correct and usable in written English.
Instead, you may use the phrase 'leave alone'. For example, "Please leave the door alone and don't touch it."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

Jones left his white Ford van in the parking lot, making sure to leave down the window enough to keep the two-year-old dog cool.

The Guardian

"We had a good time last night, but we're not going to be the last idiots to leave down here," Mr. Christian said.

The New York Times

"I wanted to write about what goes on when the summer people leave down those streets nobody ever looks down," Mr. Stroby said.

The New York Times

The ICM poll - the first since the referendum question was changed two weeks ago to make it less biased - gives the 'In' campaign just a 3-per-cent lead over those who want to leave, down from a much larger margin of 11 per cent before the change.

Independent

The rest I would leave down to the officials to decide.

BBC

After all, they're the ones who make their homes in the muck that becomes inhospitable thanks to the oil and dispersant chemicals we leave down there.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

Left, down.

The New York Times - Tech

Turn left down the corridor.

Harvard University

"We did feel left down.

The Guardian - Sport

At T-junction turn left down hill, still following road.

The Guardian - Travel

At waymarker, turn left down Hogley Lane through small hamlet.

The Guardian - Travel

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When aiming for clarity and correctness, consider using more standard phrases like "leave alone" or "put down" instead of "leave down". This will ensure your writing is easily understood and avoids potential misinterpretations.

Common error

Avoid assuming that "leave down" is universally interchangeable with phrases like "put down" or "leave alone". While it might appear in informal contexts, it's crucial to verify its appropriateness for the specific intended meaning to prevent grammatical errors.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "leave down" functions primarily as a phrasal verb, although its usage is often considered non-standard. Ludwig AI indicates that it's not correct in many contexts, suggesting the need for alternative phrasings. The specific function varies based on context.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Wiki

40%

News & Media

40%

Academia

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "leave down" presents a challenge due to its grammatical ambiguity and limited standard usage. Ludwig AI deems it incorrect in many contexts, recommending alternatives like "leave alone" or "put down" for improved clarity. While it appears in sources such as WikiHow, The Guardian, and The New York Times, its prevalent use is mostly within informal contexts. Therefore, writers should exercise caution and consider more precise alternatives to ensure effective communication. Always prioritize clarity and appropriateness based on the context and target audience.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

leave it alone

Focuses on not disturbing something, offering a meaning of abandonment.

put down

Emphasizes placing something in a lower position.

set down

Similar to "put down", but with a sense of gentleness or care.

drop down

Indicates a downward movement or descent.

turn down

Indicates rejecting or declining something.

go down

Suggests a downward progression or decline.

step down

Implies resigning or relinquishing a position.

let fall

Describes unintentionally releasing something.

abandon

Emphasizes complete desertion or forsaking.

relinquish

Formally gives up or surrenders something.

FAQs

What does "leave down" mean?

The phrase "leave down" doesn't have a standard, universally recognized meaning in English. Its interpretation depends heavily on context, often implying an action of putting something down or abandoning it.

Is it correct to say "leave down"?

In most formal contexts, "leave down" is considered grammatically "incorrect". It's better to use established phrases like "put down" or "leave alone" for clarity.

What can I say instead of "leave down"?

Depending on the intended meaning, you can use alternatives like "put down" if you mean to place something, or "leave alone" if you mean to not disturb something.

How do I avoid using "leave down" incorrectly?

To avoid misusing "leave down", consider whether a more precise and standard phrase like "set down", "put down", or "leave alone" could better convey your intended meaning. Always prioritize clarity and grammatical correctness.