leave this section blank

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "leave this section blank" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used in forms or documents to instruct the reader not to fill out a specific area. Example: "Please fill out the first two sections of the form, but leave this section blank for administrative use."

✓ Grammatically correct

Wiki

News & Media

Science

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

He left the section blank.

The New York Times

The judicial races were perhaps the most hotly anticipated item on the ballot this year, a sharp contrast from years past in which the election were so low profile that more than a third of those who cast ballots left the section blank.

The New York Times

If you decide to go with black-and-white, you might try this: instead of printing the headline and any colored words, leave those sections blank and write them in by hand with a colored marker.

WikiHow

If one or more questions are not relevant to you, please leave that section blank".

Health and Quality of Life Outcomes

Statistics Canada spokesperson Marie-Claude Deslandes confirmed to VICE News in an email that trans people who identify as neither male nor female can leave the gender section blank or indicate the gender with which they identify. .

Vice

I thought I would leave this one blank...for you to fill in in the comments section!

Huffington Post

Patients without dietary restrictions and their parents are now asked to leave this domain blank.

BMC Gastroenterology

Leave this space blank if you do not have it.

WikiHow

If none can be found, leave this line blank.

WikiHow

If you do not have a website, leave this field blank.

WikiHow

If you'd like them to be available on your phone, leave this option blank.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "leave this section blank" in forms, ensure it's accompanied by a clear explanation of why the section should be left empty to avoid confusion.

Common error

Avoid using "leave this section blank" without specifying the section clearly. Ambiguity can lead to incorrect form completion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "leave this section blank" functions as an imperative instruction, typically found in forms, surveys, or guides. It directs the reader to omit filling in a particular area. As validated by Ludwig, it is commonly used to ensure accurate data collection or prevent unintended input.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Wiki

33%

News & Media

25%

Science

21%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "leave this section blank" is a grammatically correct and frequently used imperative phrase that instructs someone not to fill in a specific part of a document. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's common in instructional materials, forms, and surveys to avoid confusion and ensure accurate data collection. While versatile, clarity is key. Always specify precisely which section should be left blank. Alternatives such as "do not complete this section" or "skip this section" can offer a more formal tone. The phrase is found across diverse sources like WikiHow, The New York Times and scientific publications, demonstrating its widespread applicability. Despite its general correctness, be sure to provide the proper context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

do not complete this section

Replaces 'leave blank' with 'do not complete', providing a direct negative instruction.

leave this space empty

Substitutes 'section' with 'space', offering a more general instruction.

omit this section

Uses 'omit' to indicate that the section should be skipped entirely.

keep this section clear

Instructs the user to keep the section free from any entries.

skip this section

Emphasizes the act of skipping the section, implying it should not be addressed.

do not write in this area

Focuses on the physical act of writing, specifying that no input should be made.

this section requires no input

Specifies that the section does not need any information from the user.

this section is intentionally left empty

Explains why the section is empty, reassuring the user that it's not an error.

this space is reserved

Indicates the section is reserved for a specific purpose and should not be filled by the user.

this section is for official use only

Clarifies that the section is intended for internal use and should not be completed by the user.

FAQs

When is it appropriate to use "leave this section blank"?

Use "leave this section blank" when instructing someone to skip a specific part of a form or document because it's not applicable to them, or intended for administrative use. It provides clear direction to avoid filling in the designated area.

What are some alternatives to saying "leave this section blank"?

You can use alternatives like "do not complete this section", "skip this section", or "this section is for official use only" depending on the context.

Is it grammatically correct to say "leave this section blank"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct. It is a common and easily understood instruction, particularly in forms and instructional materials, as validated by Ludwig.

Can I use "leave this section blank" in formal writing?

Yes, "leave this section blank" can be used in formal writing, especially in instructional contexts. For very formal settings, consider alternatives like "do not complete this section" for a slightly more professional tone.