may be left unfilled

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "may be left unfilled" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where something is optional or not required to be completed, such as forms or applications. Example: "In the application form, certain sections may be left unfilled if they do not apply to you."

✓ Grammatically correct

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

The use of bone graft to increase mechanical strength remains controversial; whilst it may increase mechanical strength, some authors have suggested that opening wedges can be left unfilled [ 3], which avoids the risk associated with gap filling with inert substances [ 15].

BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders

City government jobs will be left unfilled.

The New York Times

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

The Guardian

And three other budgeted positions, it was told, would have to be left unfilled for now.

The New York Times

The company said that 4,400 jobs would be eliminated outright and that 1,600 others would be left unfilled as they become vacant.

The New York Times

In 2020, an estimated 1,000,0000 of these jobs will be left unfilled.

Forbes

Nebraska certainly reflects this national trend with a projected 48,000 new STEM positions expected to be left unfilled in 2018 (U.S. Department of Commerce, Economics, and Statistics Administration, 2011).

International Journal of STEM Education

Certain vacant positions will also be left unfilled.

Los Angeles Times

Already, The Georgetown University Center on Education and the Workforce estimates 3 million jobs will be left unfilled by 2018 because workers lack the requisite skills.

Huffington Post

None may be left blank.

Science Magazine

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

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "may be left unfilled", ensure the context clearly indicates who has the option and under what circumstances the field or action can be skipped. This avoids confusion and maintains clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "may be left unfilled" when something is, in fact, required. This creates ambiguity and can lead to incomplete submissions or actions. Use clear and direct language when something is mandatory.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "may be left unfilled" functions as a qualifying statement, indicating that something is optional and does not necessarily require completion. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is suitable for use in written English, especially when clarifying the optional nature of a field or task.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

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Formal & Business

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Less common in

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Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "may be left unfilled" is a grammatically correct and usable expression that signifies optionality. As Ludwig AI validates, it is best employed to clearly communicate that a particular field, section, or action does not require completion. While examples are currently limited, its function is to provide flexibility and clarity, making it suitable for a variety of contexts. Remember to use direct language when something is required to avoid confusion, and you’ll be well on your way to employing this useful phrase effectively.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

can be left blank

Indicates a space or field does not necessarily require a response.

can remain empty

Emphasizes that something has the option to remain without content.

can be skipped

Suggests an optional step or part of a process.

is not required

Directly states the absence of a necessity.

is optional

Highlights the choice of whether to complete something.

need not be completed

Formally expresses that completion is not compulsory.

can be omitted

Suggests intentional exclusion is acceptable.

can be forgone

Implies the possibility of foregoing something without consequence.

can be excluded

Suggests something can be purposefully left out.

is not mandatory

Emphasizes the lack of obligatory nature.

FAQs

When is it appropriate to use "may be left unfilled"?

Use "may be left unfilled" when indicating that completing a field, section, or action is optional and not a requirement. It is suitable for forms, applications, or instructions where some elements are not applicable to everyone.

What are some alternatives to "may be left unfilled"?

You can use alternatives like "can be left blank", "is optional", or "need not be completed" depending on the context.

Is "may be left unfilled" grammatically correct?

Yes, "may be left unfilled" is grammatically correct. It uses the modal verb "may" to indicate possibility or permission, followed by the passive voice "be left unfilled".

What is the difference between "may be left unfilled" and "must be left unfilled"?

"May be left unfilled" indicates an option to leave something empty, while "must be left unfilled" implies a requirement to leave something empty. The former is permissive, the latter is mandatory.