leave it so

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "leave it so" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something should be left in its current state or condition, often implying acceptance or agreement. Example: "If you think that's the best option, then leave it so."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

38 human-written examples

How was it that Lord Trotman (as he became in 1999) quickly turned Ford around, only to leave it so fragile that its core car business fell into loss ten years later?

The Economist

"I look forward to being checked out and I recommend that the system doesn't leave it so long to get in contact with its patients".

Heart

What a shame to leave it so long.

The Economist

"But before we ruin it, we'd rather leave it so you all can take a picture.

Independent

Such a move would leave it so short-staffed that it would have to shut.

The Guardian

This is the deal, take it or leave it.' " So how can you get the best deal?

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

22 human-written examples

Does he wish they hadn't left it so late?

The Guardian - Music

He should have done it yesterday and not left it so late.

The Guardian - Sport

I am just so sorry I have left it so long to come forward".

The Guardian

Jack Straw said he would be demanding to know why prosecutors had left it so long.

The Guardian

In leaving it so late and in setting these terms, Mrs May is playing with fire.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When instructing someone to keep a setting or configuration, use "leave it so" to clearly communicate that no changes are needed. This avoids ambiguity and ensures the desired state is maintained.

Common error

Avoid using "leave it so" when you actually intend for something to be improved or altered later. This phrase indicates a desire to maintain the current condition, not a temporary state.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "leave it so" primarily functions as an imperative, directing someone to maintain the current state of something. Ludwig examples show its usage across diverse contexts, reinforcing its role in instructing or suggesting preservation of an existing condition.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

32%

Wiki

22%

Science

16%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Academia

6%

Reference

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "leave it so" is a commonly used expression for instructing to maintain the current state of something. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and acceptability across various contexts. While generally neutral in register, it's essential to consider the audience and setting when choosing this phrase. Alternatives like "let it be" or "keep it as is" may be more suitable in formal environments. The phrase appears frequently in News & Media and Wiki content.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

let it be

Focuses on allowing something to remain undisturbed, differing slightly in its implication of acceptance or resignation.

keep it as is

Emphasizes maintaining the existing condition without alteration, providing a more direct alternative.

leave it untouched

Highlights the act of not modifying or altering something, adding a nuance of preservation.

maintain its current state

A more formal way of saying “leave it so”, applicable when it is needed higher formality.

preserve it thus

A more archaic and formal way of saying it, where 'thus' refers to the current condition.

allow it to remain

Emphasizes permission for something to stay as it is, introducing an element of allowance.

don't change it

Directly advises against making any alterations, offering a clear and simple alternative.

keep it in its present form

Highlights the shape or appearance being unaltered.

let it stand

Suggests allowing a decision or situation to remain valid or unchanged.

leave it in that condition

Focuses specifically on the physical or functional state of something, specifying the condition.

FAQs

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

You can use "leave it so" to indicate that something should remain in its current condition. For example, "If the arrangement looks good to you, then "leave it so"."

What's a more formal way to say "leave it so"?

For a more formal tone, consider using phrases like "maintain its current state" or "preserve it thus," which convey the same meaning with increased formality.

Is it ever incorrect to use "leave it so"?

While grammatically correct, "leave it so" might sound informal in certain contexts. It's best suited for casual conversations or when directness is valued over formality.

What does "leave it so" imply?

"Leave it so" implies acceptance or agreement with the current state. It suggests that no further action or modification is necessary or desired.