leave it as it is

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'leave it as it is' is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in any situation when the speaker or writer is suggesting that something should remain unchanged. For example, "Let's not fix the fence until we know more about the damage - let's just leave it as it is for now."

✓ Grammatically correct

Wiki

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Don't expand the chart from its original dimensions -- leave it as it is originally sized for similar results to those appearing here.

WikiHow

I'd rather leave it as it is".

Independent

"Absolutely leave it as it is.

The Guardian - Sport

"Probably leave it as it is".

The New York Times

I think I'd rather leave it as it is.

The Washington Post

Now they suddenly want to leave it as it is," Lysbakken said.

The Guardian

"Nobody put a foot down and said, 'Leave it as it is,' " she said.

The New York Times

"They need to just leave it as it is," Ms. Moran said.

The New York Times

"So I think the Democratic National Committee would leave it as it is".

The New York Times

"I wanted to buy the memorabilia and leave it as it is, guaranteed for the future," Mr. Tynan said.

The New York Times

"I think it comes down to one of two choices: make it unlimited or leave it as it is.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "leave it as it is" when you want to suggest that no modifications or changes are needed or desired for something. It's suitable for situations where the current state is satisfactory or when intervention might cause unintended problems.

Common error

While "leave it as it is" is perfectly acceptable, avoid overusing it in highly formal writing. In those contexts, consider more sophisticated alternatives like "maintain the status quo" or "preserve the current form" to convey a more professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "leave it as it is" functions as a directive or suggestion, advising against any alteration or modification. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and usable. Examples across diverse sources show its adaptability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Wiki

34%

News & Media

57%

Science

9%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "leave it as it is" is a common and grammatically sound way to suggest maintaining the current state of something. Ludwig AI affirms its correctness and usability in written English. While versatile, it's crucial to consider the context and audience, as it may be too informal for highly professional or academic settings. Alternatives like "keep it as is" or "maintain the status quo" can provide a more formal tone when needed. Be mindful of overusing it, and always ensure that the phrase aligns with the overall tone and purpose of your writing. The phrase is frequently found in News & Media and Wiki.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

keep it as is

A more concise and informal version of the original phrase.

let it stand

Suggests allowing something to remain in its current condition without intervention.

keep it unchanged

Emphasizes the lack of alteration, highlighting that nothing should be modified.

do not alter it

A direct instruction to refrain from making any changes.

leave it untouched

Highlights the idea of avoiding any contact or modification.

maintain the status quo

Focuses on preserving the existing state of affairs, often in a more formal context.

refrain from modifying it

A formal way of saying not to change something.

preserve its current form

Emphasizes the act of actively protecting something's existing condition.

let it be

Implies acceptance of the current state, often with a philosophical undertone.

don't change a thing

An emphatic way of saying something is perfect as it is.

FAQs

How can I use "leave it as it is" in a sentence?

You can use "leave it as it is" when suggesting that something should remain unchanged. For example, "The design looks good; let's just leave it as it is."

What are some alternatives to "leave it as it is"?

Alternatives include "keep it as is", "let it stand", or "maintain the status quo", depending on the context.

Is it ever wrong to use the phrase "leave it as it is"?

While grammatically correct, "leave it as it is" might be too informal for some professional or academic contexts. Choose a more formal alternative if the situation requires it.

What does "leave it as it is" imply?

The phrase implies that the current state is acceptable or preferable, and that making changes is unnecessary or potentially detrimental.