left in place

USAGE SUMMARY

"left in place" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You would use it to describe something that has not been removed, or changed, from a particular position. For example: "The town's historical monument was left in place despite the construction of new buildings."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

A vesicoamniotic shunt was left in place.

American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology

All bookmarks have been left in place.

Cornell University

Statuettes left in place for drawing and photos.

Harvard University

These impoundments are left in place at facility closure.

Cornell University

Linen left in place and body left for photo.

Harvard University

If they were left in place, only 23% got through.

The Economist

The tissue is left in place, its blood supply intact.

The New York Times - Science

Some discoveries had to be left in place.

The New York Times

To synchronize estrus, progestogenated pessaries were inserted and left in place for 12 days.

Theriogenology

The device itself is left in place as part of the splice.

Precision Engineering

The screws were left in place for the retention.

Maxillofacial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "left in place" to clearly indicate that something was intentionally not moved or altered, especially when this is unexpected or significant.

Common error

Avoid using "left in place" when a simpler verb like "remained" or "stayed" would suffice. Overusing the phrase can make your writing sound unnecessarily formal or repetitive.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "left in place" functions primarily as a post-modifier, typically describing a noun by indicating that it was not moved or altered. As seen in the Ludwig examples, it often appears after the noun it modifies, providing specific detail about its state.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

65%

News & Media

18%

Academia

17%

Less common in

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "left in place" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to describe something that has not been moved or altered. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is widely used in various contexts, including science, news, and academia. While it's important to use it judiciously and avoid overusing it in simple descriptions, the phrase effectively conveys the deliberate act of maintaining something's original position. Consider alternatives like "remained situated" or "stayed in position" for varied writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

remained where it was

Simple restatement of leaving something in its original location.

left as it was

Indicates a decision not to alter the existing state.

maintained its position

Stresses the act of actively keeping something in its location.

stayed in position

Focuses on the act of remaining at a specific location.

remained situated

Emphasizes the act of staying in a specific location.

not removed

Focuses on the act of not taking something away.

kept untouched

Highlights the lack of alteration or interference.

was not disturbed

Highlights the absence of interference or disruption.

preserved as is

Focuses on maintaining the original condition without changes.

not relocated

Highlights the absence of movement or displacement.

FAQs

How can I use "left in place" in a sentence?

Use "left in place" to indicate that something was not moved or altered, often implying a deliberate decision. For example, "The original foundation was left in place during the renovation."

What's the difference between "left in situ" and "left in place"?

"Left in situ" is a more formal, often scientific term, derived from Latin, meaning "left in its original position". "Left in place" is a more common and general way to express the same idea.

What can I say instead of "left in place"?

You can use alternatives like "remained situated", "stayed in position", or "left as it was" depending on the specific context.

Is "left in place" grammatically correct?

Yes, "left in place" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and provides numerous examples of its usage in reliable sources.