I even let

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I even let" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to emphasize that you allowed something unexpected or surprising to happen. Example: "I was so tired that I even let my kids stay up past their bedtime."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

12 human-written examples

I even let myself get nervous before a run-through, just as I would in competition.

Encyclopedia Britannica

"I'm cringing that I even let this go in," he said, referring to a photograph of a man carrying a Torah.

The New York Times - Magazine

I even let him preside over primordial moments, his Mephistophehan cackle providing a lifeline from the yawning space of my fear in big waves to some rock face where the psychic crampons held.

The New Yorker

"Ex-Guru," from the new album, begins with an out-of-the-blue confession: "One of those blond ladies had a certain hold on me/I went to all her seminars by the airport in the DoubleTree/I even let her use nephew's seaplane in the Bahamas for free".

The New York Times - Arts

A lot worse than I even let on in my articles," he says.

Huffington Post

I even let myself be photographed in it for my Refinery29 column, The Anti-Diet Project.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

46 human-written examples

On the first day I opened, before I could even let people walk into the shop, we had people signing up for monthly plans to show their support.

The New York Times

I thought I may have heard this wrong, I may even let out a giggle.

Huffington Post

D I don't think I'd even let them in the house.

The Guardian

If I really like them, I'll even let them hold it without the plastic.

Huffington Post

If you threatened me that I'd lose a silver star if I did a wee in my pants, I wouldn't care, and I might even let a bit of wee go just to spite you.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "I even let" to emphasize a surprising or reluctant allowance, making the action seem more significant. For instance, "I was so exhausted, I even let the kids have ice cream for dinner."

Common error

Avoid using "I even let" when you mean you helped or assisted someone. "Let" implies permission, not active involvement. Instead of "I even let him build the fence", which suggests you allowed him to build it, say "I even helped him build the fence" if you actively participated.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I even let" functions as a verb phrase indicating permission or allowance. It emphasizes that the action permitted was somewhat surprising or unexpected. As supported by Ludwig, this phrase is considered grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

18%

Encyclopedias

17%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "I even let" is a grammatically sound phrase used to express permission or allowance, often in a context where the action permitted is unexpected or surprising. According to Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct. It is most frequently found in news and media sources. When using this phrase, remember that it implies the speaker had the authority to grant or deny permission. Alternatives such as "I even allowed" or "I actually permitted" can be used to vary your writing. Understanding the scope of the word "let" is important for avoiding common errors.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I went as far as to allow

Emphasizes the extent to which permission was granted, often suggesting it was a significant step.

I surprised myself by letting

Highlights the unexpected nature of the decision from the speaker's perspective.

I actually permitted

Highlights the surprising nature of the permission given, implying it was unexpected.

I was lenient enough to allow

Implies a generous or forgiving attitude in granting permission.

Against my better judgement, I allowed

Implies awareness of potential negative consequences but choosing to permit anyway.

I stretched to permit

Indicates bending or compromising one's own rules to allow something.

I conceded and permitted

Emphasizes yielding after resistance or disagreement.

I made allowances for

Focuses on the act of considering and accepting certain behaviors or situations.

I condescended to allow

Suggests a sense of superiority or reluctance in granting the permission.

I swallowed my reservations and let

Conveys overcoming doubts or hesitations before granting permission.

FAQs

How can I use "I even let" in a sentence?

Use "I even let" to emphasize that you permitted something surprising or unexpected, often implying a degree of reluctance or a break from your usual habits. For example, "I was feeling generous, so "I even let" them stay up late".

What can I say instead of "I even let"?

You can use alternatives like "I even allowed", "I actually permitted", or "I went as far as to allow" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "I even let him to do it"?

No, the correct form is "I even let him do it". The verb "let" doesn't require the infinitive marker "to". It's a common mistake to add "to" after "let", but it's grammatically incorrect.

What's the difference between "I even let" and "I even made"?

""I even let"" implies granting permission, while "I even made" suggests causing someone to do something. For example, "I even let him borrow my car" (permission), versus "I even made him apologize" (forced action).