leave untouched

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "leave untouched" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when indicating that something should not be altered or disturbed. Example: "Please leave untouched any documents that are marked as confidential."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

25 human-written examples

(The book's editors say they have elected to leave untouched some cases of "potential ambiguity").

The New York Times - Books

THE McCain-Feingold bill does leave untouched other baskets of big money in politics.

The New York Times

However, if economic subsidies are subtracted, the choice to develop rather than leave untouched becomes pretty marginal.

The New York Times

The notion of what is normal — and, therefore, of what physicians may seek to restore and what they should leave untouched — isn't arbitrary, but neither is it unambiguous.

The New Yorker

G.M. has also been careful to leave untouched the side of Saturn that most customers notice, like the low-pressure sales tactics at dealerships.

The New York Times

For example, reforms of general elections would leave untouched the distortions generated by party primaries in which small numbers of voters can shape the choices for the entire electorate.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

34 human-written examples

No house was left untouched.

Independent

No family was left untouched".

The New York Times

Some things were left untouched.

The New Yorker

"No garment was left untouched," he writes.

The New York Times

More than 200 remains were left untouched.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "leave untouched" when you want to emphasize the importance of maintaining the original state of something, whether it's physical objects, abstract concepts, or established procedures. This phrase is effective in instructions, preservation efforts, or when discussing historical artifacts.

Common error

Avoid using "leave untouched" when a simpler phrase like "do not touch" suffices, especially in informal contexts. The phrase carries a slightly formal tone, so ensure it fits the overall style of your writing. Overusing it can make your writing sound stilted or unnatural.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "leave untouched" functions primarily as a verb phrase. It's used to issue a command, instruction, or recommendation for something to remain in its current state without alteration or modification. As Ludwig AI explains, this phrase conveys a sense of preservation.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

46%

Science

29%

Encyclopedias

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Social Media

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "leave untouched" is a versatile verb phrase used to advise or instruct that something should remain in its original state, emphasizing the importance of preservation. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and commonly found in news, scientific, and encyclopedic contexts, maintaining a neutral to formal tone. When choosing alternatives, consider the level of formality required, such as "preserve intact" for more formal settings or "keep as is" for informal ones. It's essential to understand the connotation and avoid overuse to maintain a natural writing style.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

maintain unaltered

This emphasizes the aspect of not changing or modifying something.

preserve intact

This alternative suggests maintaining something in its complete, original condition without damage or alteration.

leave as it stands

This conveys the idea of accepting the current condition without intervention.

refrain from altering

This highlights the act of deliberately avoiding any changes.

avoid modification

Focuses on the action of preventing any changes from being made.

keep as is

This is a more direct and informal way of saying to not make any changes.

hold inviolate

This suggests treating something as sacred and protecting it from any violation or change.

keep inviolable

Similar to 'hold inviolate' but emphasizes the quality of being protected from violation.

keep sacrosanct

This implies treating something with the utmost respect and preventing any alteration or damage.

let it be

An idiomatic expression suggesting acceptance and non-interference.

FAQs

How can I use "leave untouched" in a sentence?

You can use "leave untouched" to instruct someone not to alter or disturb something, for example: "Please "leave untouched" any documents on my desk." It can also describe something that remains in its original condition.

What are some alternatives to "leave untouched"?

Alternatives include "preserve intact", "keep as is", or "maintain unaltered". The best choice depends on the specific context and the level of formality required.

Is it better to say "leave untouched" or "do not touch"?

"Leave untouched" is more formal and often implies a broader sense of preservation or non-interference. "Do not touch" is a simpler, more direct instruction to avoid physical contact. The appropriate choice depends on the situation and the desired tone.

What does "leave untouched" imply about the object or concept?

Using "leave untouched" often suggests that the object or concept is in a satisfactory state and that any alteration could potentially be detrimental. It highlights the value of maintaining the status quo in that particular instance.