left to be seen

USAGE SUMMARY

"left to be seen" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it to talk about something that will remain unknown until it is observed or revealed. For example: "The outcome of the election is left to be seen."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

13 human-written examples

Meanwhile, it is left to be seen what effects climate change might have on the famed longevity of new bristlecones.

The New York Times

But generally there seems to be so much less gauze layered over what is being seen, because there is so much left to be seen.

The New York Times - Arts

He said that the fake Syrian passport in the name of Ahmad Al-Mohammad was "left to be seen" as part of an Isis strategy to "put refugees in the spotlight".

Independent

It is left to be seen whether the recent action of Eliot L. Spitzer, the New York attorney general, can change the culture of greed and deceit on Wall Street.

The New York Times

It was Errani who had the better strategy coming into the match and Stosur who has made the correct changes as the match wore on still left to be seen who will have the edge as the match moves into a seemingly inevitable decider.

The New York Times

What happens in other environments is left to be seen.

SEP

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

45 human-written examples

How far Timpson will go to defend them, and how much time he has left, remains to be seen.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

He urged the survivors to close their eyes and think of the faces of the relatives and friends that were left behind, never to be seen again.

The New York Times

Whether this proves a correct reading of the midterm tea leaves remains to be seen, of course.

The Guardian

Whether the government will agree to putting a financial burden on employers in guaranteeing a national minimum bereavement leave remains to be seen.

The Guardian - Money

Leave cannot afford to be seen as the gentrified face of bigotry.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "left to be seen" when you want to indicate that an outcome or result is uncertain and will only be known in the future. It's suitable for a variety of contexts, from news reports to academic discussions.

Common error

Avoid using "left to be seen" when you intend to express an active action. This phrase is passive and focuses on the unknown future rather than a present action.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "left to be seen" functions as an idiomatic expression indicating that the outcome or result of something is currently unknown and will only be revealed in the future. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

53%

Science

32%

Encyclopedias

6%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "left to be seen" is a common and grammatically sound idiomatic expression used to denote that an outcome or result is currently uncertain and will only become clear in the future. As Ludwig AI confirms, its usage is appropriate in various contexts, spanning from news reports and scientific articles to more informal discussions. The phrase carries a neutral register and is frequently found in news media and scientific publications. When using this phrase, ensure it accurately reflects the uncertainty you wish to convey and that it aligns with the passive construction of the sentence. Alternatives such as "remains to be determined" or "yet to be revealed" can offer nuanced variations depending on the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

remains to be determined

Focuses on the aspect of uncertainty about a final decision or conclusion.

yet to be revealed

Emphasizes the idea that something is currently hidden or unknown and will be disclosed in the future.

it is not yet known

Stresses the current lack of knowledge about a specific matter.

remains to be discovered

Highlights the aspect of active exploration or investigation needed to uncover the truth.

the outcome is pending

Implies that the result is awaiting a specific event or decision.

time will tell

Indicates that only the passage of time will reveal the answer or outcome.

we shall see

A more informal way to express that the future will reveal the answer.

the jury is still out

Suggests that a final verdict or consensus has not yet been reached.

the future is uncertain

Broadly expresses the unpredictability of future events and outcomes.

what the future holds is unknown

Emphasizes the mystery and unpredictability associated with future events.

FAQs

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

Use "left to be seen" to indicate that an outcome is uncertain and will only be revealed in the future. For example, "Whether the new policy will be effective is "left to be seen"."

What are some alternatives to "left to be seen"?

You can use phrases like "remains to be determined", "yet to be revealed", or "time will tell" as alternatives to "left to be seen", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "left to be seen" formal or informal?

"Left to be seen" is appropriate for both formal and informal contexts. It is commonly used in news articles, academic papers, and general conversation.

What's the difference between "left to be seen" and "remains to be seen"?

While "left to be seen" and "remains to be seen" are very similar, "left to be seen" might subtly emphasize the aspect of something being 'left' or remaining in a state of uncertainty until revealed, whereas "remains to be seen" focuses more directly on the continuing uncertainty.