leave it empty

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "leave it empty" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when instructing someone to not fill in a space or to keep a section blank. Example: "For the application form, please leave it empty if you do not have a middle name."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

21 human-written examples

Nicholson worries that unless the Cat Fund increases its cash reserve, one big storm could leave it empty, exposing insurers to the next big storm.

Huffington Post

It would have been better to leave it empty or finish it.

The New York Times

If your partner always tops off the fuel tank, for example, you shouldn't leave it empty.

The New York Times - Travel

Hugh (once married to Lindsay Duncan's Angelica – a power couple to reckon with) is on his last case, and he is determined to leave it "empty".

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Once you are inside you soon discover that you can go to the bar with impunity because people fill your seat if you leave it empty.

The Guardian - Film

We cannot leave it empty, yet we cannot fill it with the simplistic notions of commerce wrapped in the thin skin of symbolism.

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

39 human-written examples

The two chocolate Santas that my grandmother had thrust into my hands (because Indians never arrive at a house empty-handed and never leave it empty-bellied) lay between us.

HuffPost

The Taliban left it empty but used its high diving board to push criminals and homosexuals off onto the concrete below.

The New York Times

As elsewhere, the industry held out its tin cup, but the government left it empty.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Finally, Grisha had simply left it empty for his visits.

The New Yorker

If he leaves it empty, he gets actors".

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When instructing someone to "leave it empty" on a form, consider adding a brief explanation as to why, if applicable. This provides clarity and avoids confusion.

Common error

Avoid using "leave it empty" without clear context. Ensure the recipient understands what "it" refers to. Be specific to prevent misinterpretations. For instance, specify "leave the field blank" instead of just "leave it empty".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "leave it empty" functions as an imperative instruction, directing someone to not fill or occupy a certain space or area. Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Wiki

32%

HuffPost

12%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Academia

2%

The New York Times - Sports

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "leave it empty" is a common and grammatically correct instruction, as confirmed by Ludwig, used to direct someone not to fill a specific space or area. Predominantly found in news, media, and wiki contexts, it maintains a neutral register adaptable to various communication scenarios. While clear, ensuring context avoids ambiguity. Alternatives include "keep it blank" or "do not fill it in" for clarity. Practical usage involves providing concise directions on forms and documents, reinforcing its value in clear communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Keep it vacant

Emphasizes maintaining a state of emptiness, focusing on the ongoing condition.

Leave it unfilled

Highlights the act of not completing or populating a space or field.

Do not populate it

Directly instructs against adding elements or information to a given area.

Keep it blank

Similar to "leave it empty", specifically refers to forms or documents.

Let it be bare

Focuses on the plain and unadorned state of something.

Leave it untouched

Indicates that something should be left in its original state, without alteration.

Do not add anything

A more general instruction to avoid placing any items or data.

Omit this section

Specifically suggests skipping a particular part or segment.

Keep this section free

This alternative underlines to keep the section without information or content.

Skip this item

Advises bypassing a specific item or entry.

FAQs

How can I use "leave it empty" in a sentence?

You can use "leave it empty" to instruct someone not to fill in a space or section. For example, "If you do not have a middle name, "leave it empty" on the application form".

What does "leave it empty" mean?

"Leave it empty" means to not put anything in a specified space or area, typically on a form, document, or container.

What can I say instead of "leave it empty"?

Alternatives to "leave it empty" include "keep it blank", "do not fill it in", or "omit this section", depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "leave it empty"?

Yes, "leave it empty" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase in English. Ludwig confirms its usability.