leaves undefined

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "leaves undefined" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where something is not clearly defined or specified, often in technical or abstract discussions. Example: "The current policy leaves undefined the criteria for evaluating employee performance."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Everything depends on "unduly," which she leaves undefined.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

Yet the sources of their fanaticism are left undefined.

The New Yorker

What the will and the way are exactly was left undefined by both leaders.

The Guardian - Opinion

The 1978 Constitution left undefined in some respects the relationship between the central state and the autonomous regions.

The New Yorker

Left undefined has been what size firms would be exempted, what constitutes a "meaningful contribution," and how much noncompliant businesses would be required to pay.

The New York Times

"In Virginia, the rights of juveniles have been left undefined and it's almost an oxymoron to say 'rights of a juvenile,' " she said.

The New York Times

Bill Van Esveld, a Jerusalem-based researcher for Human Rights Watch, said the problem was that the idea of "cooperation" with the panel was left undefined.

The New York Times

The blue canton was to contain 13 stars, but the layout of the stars was left undefined, and several patterns are known.

Encyclopedia Britannica

It agreed on the need for Europe to promote its interests and values more assertively and in a spirit of reciprocity and mutual benefit".Reciprocity" was left undefined.

The Economist

Obama endorsed moving the bulk phone records collection out of the NSA's hands and into those of a private entity, whose contours he left undefined in his Friday speech, his most extensive remarks on the surveillance to date.

The Guardian

Some lawyers say that the court has determined that sponsors must sell enough apartments to create a "viable cooperative" -- a term it left undefined -- within a reasonable time after the conversion.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "leaves undefined" when you want to highlight that a specific term, concept, or parameter lacks a clear or precise definition within a particular context. This is particularly useful in legal, technical, or abstract discussions where precision is crucial.

Common error

Avoid using "leaves undefined" in casual conversation or informal writing. Simpler alternatives like "doesn't explain" or "doesn't specify" are more appropriate for less formal situations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "leaves undefined" functions as a verb phrase indicating that a specific element, concept, or term lacks a clear or precise definition. According to Ludwig AI, it's often found in contexts where clarity is expected, implying a potential ambiguity or omission.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Science

40%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "leaves undefined" is a useful tool for pointing out a lack of clarity or specification in formal contexts. While Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness, it's important to use it judiciously, reserving it for situations where precision is crucial. Alternatives like "remains unspecified" or "is not defined" can be considered for similar meanings. Remember to avoid overusing it in informal settings where simpler language would be more appropriate. This is a common construction in fields like law, science, and technology where precision in language is a must.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

remains unspecified

Indicates a lack of explicit specification, similar to being undefined.

is not defined

Directly states the absence of a definition.

remains unclear

Highlights the lack of clarity, focusing on understanding.

is left vague

Emphasizes the lack of precision or detail.

is not clarified

Focuses on the absence of clarification, suggesting a need for further explanation.

is left open

Indicates that something is intentionally not defined to allow for flexibility.

is undetermined

Suggests that a value or definition has not yet been established.

is unaddressed

Highlights that a particular aspect has not been dealt with or defined.

is unresolved

Indicates that the definition or specification is still in question.

is not delineated

Emphasizes the lack of clearly defined boundaries or limits.

FAQs

How can I use "leaves undefined" in a sentence?

Use "leaves undefined" when you want to point out that something is not clearly defined or specified. For example, "The contract "leaves undefined" the exact scope of work."

What are some alternatives to "leaves undefined"?

Alternatives include "remains unspecified", "is not defined", or "remains unclear". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it better to say "leaves undefined" or "does not define"?

"Leaves undefined" is often used when something should be defined but isn't, implying a potential problem or oversight. "Does not define" is a more neutral statement simply indicating the absence of a definition.

In what kind of writing is "leaves undefined" most appropriate?

"Leaves undefined" is most appropriate in formal writing, such as legal documents, academic papers, or technical reports, where precise language is essential.