left to be answered

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "left to be answered" is grammatically correct and commonly used in written English.
It is typically used to refer to a question or issue that has not yet been addressed or resolved. Example: The investigative report was thorough, but there were still many unanswered questions left to be answered by the authorities.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

That's just another question left to be answered".

The New York Times - Sports

The question left to be answered is what this will do for BMX cycling in the United States.

The New York Times - Sports

About the only question left to be answered was whether the Party would endorse measures narrowly targeted toward middle-income families, which is what Marco Rubio and some others are recommending, or whether it would revert to the old Reaganite model of broad cuts in tax rates, which reduce tax payments for virtually everyone, but especially the rich — and to heck with the deficit.

The New Yorker

About the only question left to be answered was whether the Party would endorse measures narrowly targeted toward middle-income families, which is what Marco Rubio and some others are recommending, or whether it would revert to the old Reaganite model of broad cuts in tax rates, which reduce tax payments for virtually everyone, but especially the rich and to heck with the deficit.

The New Yorker

While, as Aol employees, we're psyched and grateful to have our 3% per pay period matching back there are still a couple of questions left to be answered.

TechCrunch

If we assume with Mally that we have a full Boolean Algebra of properties then the only question left to be answered, is: what are the primitive properties?

SEP

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

Though the episode is the end of the series, Moffat left questions to be answered in the next series, including the mystery of River Song's identity and the "Silence" which appeared to cause the TARDIS to blow up.

Wikipedia

But, even with the best will in the world, that leaves questions to be answered.

The Guardian

It says the episodes leave questions to be answered about the Home Office's running of the Compass contracts under which three companies – G4S, Serco and Clearsprings – provide accommodation for asylum seekers.

The Guardian

Except the statement leaves questions to be answered still.

TechCrunch

Like the original post, the follow-up statement left many questions to be answered: Had the broadcaster's account been hacked?

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "left to be answered", ensure the subject or question is clearly defined in the context. This avoids ambiguity and ensures the reader understands what remains unresolved.

Common error

Avoid using "left to be answered" when a more direct verb like "remains" or "persists" would be clearer. Overuse can weaken your writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "left to be answered" functions as a passive infinitive phrase, modifying a noun (typically "questions" or "issues"). It indicates that something requires a response or resolution, as supported by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

30%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "left to be answered" is a grammatically sound and relatively common phrase used to emphasize the presence of unresolved questions or issues. Ludwig AI analysis, in line with the search results, confirms that this phrase is appropriate for a range of contexts, particularly in news, science, and general writing. While direct alternatives such as "unanswered questions" might be more concise, "left to be answered" effectively highlights the pending nature of these inquiries. Remember to use this phrase in situations where the need for a response or clarification is central to the communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

remaining to be answered

Focuses on what still needs addressing.

yet to be answered

Emphasizes the future resolution of the question.

unanswered questions

Highlights the lack of response to certain inquiries.

outstanding questions

Highlights the questions still needing a response.

to be resolved

Focuses on the necessity of finding a solution.

still pending answers

Highlights the state of waiting for answers.

awaiting clarification

Emphasizes the need for clearer understanding.

requiring answers

Highlights the demand for responses.

to be elucidated

Emphasizes the need for further explanation.

to be determined

Focuses on the need for an ultimate decision.

FAQs

How can I use "left to be answered" in a sentence?

You can use "left to be answered" to indicate that questions or issues still need resolving, as in: "Many questions about the company's financial practices are "left to be answered"".

What is a good substitute for "left to be answered"?

Alternatives include "unanswered questions", "remaining to be answered", or "yet to be answered", depending on the specific context.

Is it better to say "questions left to be answered" or "unanswered questions"?

Both are grammatically correct, but "unanswered questions" is generally more concise and direct. "Questions "left to be answered"" may be used when emphasizing that the questions were intentionally left unresolved.

What is the nuance between "left to be answered" and "awaiting clarification"?

"Left to be answered" suggests that questions exist that haven't been addressed, while "awaiting clarification" implies that the existing information is unclear and needs further explanation.