left as it was

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "left as it was" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something remains unchanged or in its original state. Example: "The document was left as it was, without any modifications or edits."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

24 human-written examples

Only one thing was left as it was found.

The New York Times - Sports

But I've found it's got marvellous antique shops and fairs, beautiful  1930s architecture, left as it was.

Independent

Most of it has been left as it was, notably his studio, complete with equipment, books and plans.

The Guardian - Travel

"Seeing everything left as it was, even though it was kind of a mess, when I first opened my first car door, that was amazing," she said.

The New York Times

"Everything, down to the last comma, had to be left as it was, even where — an admitted rarity — improvement was possible".

The New Yorker

Mr. Jowdy had been publisher of Every Day With Rachael Ray magazine, New York, which he left as it was being sold by the Reader's Digest Association to the Meredith Corporation.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

35 human-written examples

It's probably best left as it is".

The New York Times

The House of Lords must not be left as it is.

The Guardian - Opinion

"Japan's fiscal policy will hit a dead end if it is left as it is," he told reporters.

The New York Times

President Obama has told the leaders of Canada and Mexico that the deal can be left as it is.

The Economist

More than 10,000 people have subscribed to a petition calling for the fresco to be left as it is.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "left as it was" to clearly convey that no alterations or modifications have been made to something. It emphasizes the preservation of the original state.

Common error

Avoid using "left as it was" when you mean something was actively preserved. The phrase implies a lack of action, not a deliberate effort to maintain something. Consider alternatives like "carefully preserved" or "meticulously maintained" if active preservation is intended.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "left as it was" functions as a descriptive phrase, often used as part of a predicate to describe the state of a noun. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage across diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "left as it was" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to describe something that has remained unchanged. As Ludwig AI confirms, it appears frequently in various contexts, notably News & Media and Scientific domains. While it's generally neutral in register, it can also be used in more informal settings. Alternatives like "remained untouched" or "stayed in its original condition" offer similar meanings, but "left as it was" concisely conveys a lack of alteration.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

left unaltered

Indicates that no changes or modifications were made.

remained untouched

Emphasizes the absence of any alteration or interference.

was maintained as is

Highlights that something was deliberately kept in its existing state.

stayed in its original condition

Highlights the preservation of the initial state or form.

left in its prior state

Emphasizes the continuation of a previous condition.

was preserved intact

Focuses on the complete and undamaged state of something.

was not modified

Focuses on the lack of any alterations or changes.

was kept unchanged

Stresses the deliberate act of maintaining something without modification.

retained its initial form

Highlights the preservation of the original shape or structure.

was passed on as is

Used when something is transfered in its current state, with no modification.

FAQs

How can I use "left as it was" in a sentence?

You can use "left as it was" to describe something that has remained unchanged. For example, "The crime scene was "left as it was" to preserve evidence."

What is an alternative to saying "left as it was"?

Alternatives include "remained untouched", "stayed in its original condition", or "was preserved intact", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it correct to say "left like it was" instead of "left as it was"?

While "left like it was" might be used in informal speech, ""left as it was"" is the grammatically standard and more widely accepted phrasing for formal writing.

What's the difference between "left as it was" and "left in its original state"?

The phrases are very similar. "Left as it was" is more concise, while "left in its original state" explicitly emphasizes the condition of being unchanged from the beginning.