I'll let it pass

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I'll let it pass" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
It is often used as an expression of leniency or mercy when someone is given the opportunity to forgive a transgression. For example, you could say "I know you made a mistake, but I'll let it pass this time."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

This isn't really the place for this kind of self-serving clarification, but on this occasion I'll let it pass.

The Guardian - Sport

If there aren't more fibs of this sort — if he doesn't magically transform himself from the bottom half to the top four per cent in other matters — I'll let it pass.

The New Yorker

Speaking last year to Clifford Chance, whose partners brought in £1.3bn in 2011, the then justice secretary, Kenneth Clarke, accepted that the legal business had "felt itself to be something of an overlooked Cinderella in its treatment by government" – an odd description to use when partners in City law firms resemble no one so much as the Ugly Sisters, but I'll let it pass.

The Guardian - Opinion

Still, I'll let it pass since the collection was so enjoyable.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

But then I noticed that the publisher of the gold $10,000 book also published "Gold Bubble: Profiting from Gold's Impending Collapse" in April 2012, so I will let it pass.

The New York Times

A phrase involving stones and glass houses springs to mind, but we'll let it pass.

The Guardian

He's been described by fellow troubadour Frank Turner as "the last of the great romantic poets", which is far-fetched to the point of absurdity, but we'll let it pass for now.

The Guardian - Music

But we'll let it pass this once, for the virtues subscribed to by Briony are a perfect fit for McEwan's: if it's plot, suspense and a Bergsonian sensitivity to the intricacies of individual consciousnesses you want, then McEwan is your man and "Atonement" your novel.

The New York Times - Books

Some officers will go that extra mile and have you deemed inadmissible, whereas some officers will let it pass.

Vice

A real emo will let it pass and carry on - they aren't their concern, as it says before they concentrate on their own life.

WikiHow

But we will not let it pass".

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "I'll let it pass" when you want to convey a sense of leniency or forgiveness, especially in situations where you could reasonably object or take offense. It's appropriate when the transgression is minor or unintentional.

Common error

While "I'll let it pass" is acceptable in many situations, avoid using it in highly formal or professional settings. Opt for more professional phrases to maintain a serious tone in business negotiations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I'll let it pass" functions as an expression of leniency or forgiveness. As Ludwig AI explains, it's used when someone chooses to overlook a transgression. This is evident in many examples where a minor fault is consciously disregarded.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

25%

Science

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "I'll let it pass" is a common expression used to convey leniency or forgiveness, particularly when overlooking minor transgressions. Ludwig AI confirms that it's grammatically correct and acceptable in written English. While versatile, its usage is most appropriate in neutral to informal contexts, as overusing it in formal settings may appear unprofessional. It is important to consider the register of your writing and choose an alternative phrase, such as "I'll overlook it", to maintain a serious tone. The phrase's communicative purpose is to show understanding and a willingness to not dwell on mistakes, helping to maintain positive relationships.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I'll let it slide

This phrase means to ignore an offense or error.

I'll overlook it

This alternative uses "overlook" to convey the act of ignoring a mistake or fault.

I'll disregard it

This phrase employs "disregard", emphasizing a conscious decision to not consider something.

I'll excuse it

Using "excuse" suggests a forgiving attitude towards the action or statement.

I'll pardon it

"Pardon" implies a formal or emphatic forgiveness.

I'll turn a blind eye to it

This idiom suggests deliberately ignoring something that one should address.

I'll waive it

This implies a formal decision to not enforce a rule or requirement.

I'll forget about it

This option indicates a desire to move on from the issue and not dwell on it.

I'll not dwell on it

This is a slightly more formal way of saying you won't focus on the issue.

I'm willing to concede it

This suggests reluctantly accepting something, even if you don't fully agree with it.

FAQs

How can I use "I'll let it pass" in a sentence?

You can use "I'll let it pass" to express your decision to overlook a minor mistake or offense. For instance, "Since it was your first offense, "I'll let it pass" this time."

What's the difference between "I'll let it pass" and "I'll ignore it"?

"I'll let it pass" implies a conscious decision to overlook something that could have been addressed, whereas "I'll ignore it" simply means you won't pay attention to it. Letting something pass suggests a degree of leniency, while ignoring it may imply indifference.

What are some alternatives to "I'll let it pass" in a formal setting?

In a formal setting, you can use alternatives like "I'll overlook it", "I'll disregard it", or "I'll waive it" to convey a more professional tone.

When is it inappropriate to use "I'll let it pass"?

It's generally inappropriate to use "I'll let it pass" in situations involving serious misconduct or when you need to assert your authority. It's better suited for minor issues that don't warrant significant action.