left unfilled

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "left unfilled" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that has not been completed or filled in, such as a form or a space. Example: "The application form was submitted with several sections left unfilled, which may delay the processing."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

There is a gaping hole in the centre and centre-left of British politics that has been left unfilled for several years.

The Guardian - Opinion

Most spaces for rubrics left unfilled.

Yale University

Spaces for decorative initials left unfilled.

Yale University

City government jobs will be left unfilled.

The New York Times

It's a prescription I wish I had left unfilled.

The New York Times

His post of chiliarch (grand vizier) was left unfilled.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Headings in red for table and a few chapters; most spaces left unfilled by rubricator.

Yale University

Left unfilled, that gap could be detrimental to the international effort to fight infectious diseases.

The Washington Post

Employees were laid off, jobs were left unfilled and faculty members went without raises.

The New York Times

But one category he resolutely left unfilled was that of a wife.

The New York Times

The jobs those people do, many economists agree, probably would be left unfilled.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing the impact of budget cuts or restructuring, use "left unfilled" to highlight the consequences of not replacing staff or resources. For example, "Due to budget constraints, several key positions were left unfilled, impacting project timelines."

Common error

Avoid using incorrect prepositions with "left unfilled". It's typically used without a preposition, or in constructions like "left unfilled for now." Don't say "left unfilled with" or "left unfilled by".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "left unfilled" functions as an adjective phrase, modifying a noun to indicate a state of incompleteness or vacancy. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness. Examples show its use in describing positions, spaces, or requirements that have not been filled.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Academia

25%

Science

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Formal & Business

7%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "left unfilled" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase to describe something incomplete or unoccupied. Ludwig AI analysis confirms its correctness. It appears most often in news, academic, and scientific contexts, indicating its broad applicability across various writing styles. When using "left unfilled", ensure it accurately reflects the intended meaning of vacancy or incompletion, and consider context-appropriate alternatives such as "remained vacant" or "not filled" for stylistic variation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

left vacant

A direct synonym, also emphasizing the state of being unoccupied.

not occupied

States directly that a space or position is not being used.

remained vacant

Focuses on the state of being unoccupied, often referring to positions or spaces.

stayed unoccupied

Emphasizes the lack of occupation over a period.

not filled

A more direct and simple way of saying something wasn't completed or occupied.

left undone

Highlights the state of not being completed or performed.

remained open

Highlights the availability of a position or space.

was not completed

Focuses on the lack of completion, applicable to tasks or forms.

went unfulfilled

Indicates a lack of fulfillment or satisfaction of a requirement.

left unattended

Focuses on the lack of attention or care given to something.

FAQs

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

You can use "left unfilled" to describe a position, space, or requirement that hasn't been completed or occupied. For example: "The application form was submitted with several sections "left unfilled"."

What are some alternatives to the phrase "left unfilled"?

Depending on the context, alternatives to "left unfilled" include "remained vacant", "left vacant", or "not filled".

Is it grammatically correct to say "the position remained left unfilled"?

While understandable, it's more grammatically sound to say "the position remained vacant" or "the position was "left unfilled"". The phrasing "remained left unfilled" is somewhat redundant.

What's the difference between "left unfilled" and "left blank"?

"Left unfilled" generally applies to positions, roles, or obligations that remain unfulfilled. "Left blank" typically refers to leaving a space on a form or document empty.