task left unfinished

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "task left unfinished" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a task that has not been completed or is still pending. Example: "The project deadline is approaching, and we still have a task left unfinished that needs our attention."

✓ Grammatically correct

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

Allocate a day each week to follow through on any tasks left unfinished after the above.

WikiHow

As he wrote, "the body of the charter has been unfortunately gnawn by rats" – a comment that carries grim symbolism today, as we take up the task the rats left unfinished.

The Guardian - Opinion

The more tasks that are left unfinished, the more memory gets used up remembering, thinking, worrying, and planning for those tasks.

Huffington Post

But while Ms. Rousseff, 62, has pledged to cleave to the formula that endeared Mr. da Silva to so many, she is hardly a carbon copy and faces some monumental tasks that he has left unfinished: fixing the nation's troubled educational record, improving dismal health and sanitation standards for millions, and turning Brazil into the kind of developed nation it envisions itself becoming.

The New York Times

One aim of the latest mission was to complete the tasks and experiments aboard Salyut 7 that were left unfinished because of the astronaut's illness.

The New York Times

Some series are best left unfinished.

The New Yorker

It was left unfinished at her death.

Encyclopedia Britannica

." — a sentence he always left unfinished.

The New Yorker

The dolly track was left unfinished.

The New Yorker

The astronauts' work was left unfinished.

The New York Times - Science

In its aftermath, several grand hotels were left unfinished.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "task left unfinished", ensure the context clearly explains why the task remains incomplete. Provide details about the challenges or reasons for the incompletion to give the reader a comprehensive understanding.

Common error

Avoid stating that a "task left unfinished" is simply "due to lack of time" without further elaboration. Providing specific reasons, such as unforeseen complications or changing priorities, offers a more informative and credible explanation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "task left unfinished" functions as a noun phrase modified by a past participle phrase. The past participle "left unfinished" acts as an adjective, describing the state of the task. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness.

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

The phrase "task left unfinished" refers to an incomplete task, suggesting that it was started but not completed. Ludwig AI confirms the grammatical correctness of the phrase. While the phrase itself is neutral in tone, its usage can vary depending on the context. Common alternatives include "incomplete task" or "outstanding task", which can be used to provide additional precision. Understanding these nuances allows for more effective and clear communication in both formal and informal settings. Remember to provide context when discussing a "task left unfinished" to give the reader a comprehensive understanding of the situation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

incomplete task

Replaces "left unfinished" with a single adjective, offering a more concise expression.

unfinished assignment

Substitutes "task" with "assignment", suggesting a more formal or academic context.

task not completed

Uses a passive construction to emphasize the lack of completion.

outstanding task

Indicates that the task is still pending and requires attention.

pending task

Implies the task is waiting to be addressed.

unfulfilled task

Suggests a task that was not brought to completion or satisfaction.

partially completed task

Highlights that some progress was made, but the task remains incomplete.

task remaining

A more succinct way of saying a task is still to be done.

task in progress

Highlights that the task has started but is still ongoing and unfinished.

to-do task

Emphasizes that the task is planned but not yet executed.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "task left unfinished" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, consider using phrases like "incomplete task", "outstanding task", or "unfulfilled task". These alternatives convey a sense of professionalism and attention to detail.

Is it grammatically correct to say "tasks left unfinished"?

Yes, "tasks left unfinished" is grammatically correct. The plural form "tasks" simply indicates that there are multiple incomplete items, whereas "task left unfinished" refers to a single instance.

What is the difference between "task left unfinished" and "unfinished task"?

While both phrases are similar, "unfinished task" ("unfinished task") is more direct and common. "Task left unfinished" can imply that the task was started and then abandoned, adding a nuance of deliberate incompletion or interruption.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "task left unfinished"?

This phrase is appropriate when you want to emphasize that a task was initiated but not brought to completion. It suggests that there may be reasons or circumstances that led to the task being "incomplete".