left undone

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "left undone" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe an incomplete task or something that has not been addressed. For example: "The project was left undone because there was not enough time to finish it."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But much is left undone.

The New York Times

The list of things he has left undone is long.

The Economist

Then there are the task Lula left undone.

The Economist

So much accomplished and so much left undone.

The New York Times

What it does today, the court should have left undone.

The New York Times

The thought of a good deal left undone clearly pains him.

The Economist

"Let one be concerned only about what one has done and left undone".

The New York Times

Did they have any regrets about things left undone, words unsaid?

The New Yorker

Consequently, lots of household tasks were left undone and we were duplicating effort.

Independent

The day peace ran out What he did, and left undone Mystery island ReprintsTake bureaucrats.

The Economist

Anything left undone in Lausanne will leave more to do by the end of June.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider replacing "left undone" with more specific alternatives like "incomplete", "unfinished", or "outstanding" to provide a more precise meaning, depending on your intent.

Common error

Avoid excessive passive voice constructions with "left undone". Instead of saying "The report was left undone", opt for a more direct active voice: "They left the report undone" or "They did not complete the report".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "left undone" functions as a predicate adjective modifying a noun or pronoun. It describes something that has not been completed or finished. As Ludwig AI points out, it's a grammatically correct phrase usable in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

25%

Encyclopedias

15%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

10%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "left undone" is a grammatically sound and versatile expression used to describe tasks, projects, or actions that have not been completed. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. It is frequently employed in news media, scientific publications, and encyclopedias, and conveys a sense of incompleteness or unfulfilled responsibility. When using "left undone", it's important to provide clear context and consider whether more specific alternatives might better suit the intended meaning. Avoiding overuse of passive voice will also improve clarity and impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

incomplete work

Directly states that the work is not finished, focusing on the state of the work itself.

uncompleted tasks

Focuses on the tasks themselves rather than the action of leaving them in an unfinished state.

pending tasks

Highlights that the tasks are waiting to be done, often implying they are scheduled or expected.

unfinished business

Implies unresolved issues or tasks needing completion, often with a sense of urgency or importance.

unresolved issues

Emphasizes that problems or conflicts have not been settled or dealt with.

outstanding matters

Highlights items that remain to be addressed or resolved.

unattended matters

Focuses on a lack of attention or care given to certain issues.

unfulfilled obligations

Suggests duties or commitments that have not been carried out.

neglected duties

Suggests a failure to fulfill obligations or responsibilities.

abandoned projects

Implies projects that were started but then stopped before completion.

FAQs

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

You can use "left undone" to describe tasks or actions that were not completed. For example, "Many important reforms were "left undone" due to political gridlock".

What are some alternatives to "left undone"?

Alternatives include "uncompleted tasks", "unfinished business", or "incomplete work" depending on the context.

What does it mean when something is "left undone"?

It means that a task, action, or project was not completed or finished. It implies a state of incompleteness or neglect.

Is it better to say "left undone" or "not done"?

Both are grammatically correct, but "left undone" often implies a sense of responsibility or expectation that the task should have been completed. "Not done" is a more neutral statement of fact. The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.