I let

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I let" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when expressing that you allowed someone to do something or permitted an action to take place. Example: "I let my friend borrow my car for the weekend."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

(i) Let.

Journal of Inequalities and Applications

(i) Let (pin{ varOmega }).

Journal of Inequalities and Applications

(i) Let, then.

Fixed Point Theory and Applications

(i) Let on.

Boundary Value Problems

Given a vertex i, let.

Bioinformatics

I let it go.

The New Yorker

I let her pick.

The New York Times

I let her.

The New York Times

"I let these guys".

The New Yorker

"I let them try".

The New York Times

I let them play".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Ensure that the context makes it clear whether you are actively allowing something or passively permitting it. Active allowance implies a deliberate choice, while passive permission may suggest a lack of intervention.

Common error

Avoid ambiguity by specifying any limitations or conditions associated with the permission granted. For instance, instead of "I let him drive", say "I let him drive, but only in the neighborhood."

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "I let" is as a main clause indicating permission or allowance. Ludwig AI confirms that this phrase is commonly used to express the act of permitting someone or something to perform an action. Examples include "I let her pick" and "I let them in".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

3%

Reference

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "I let" is a common and grammatically sound way to express permission or allowance. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's widely used across various contexts, particularly in news and media and science. While more formal alternatives like "I permitted" or "I allowed" exist, "I let" is generally acceptable and understood. When using "I let", ensure clarity regarding the scope of permission and any associated conditions to avoid ambiguity. Be mindful of the context to ensure the most appropriate phrasing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I allowed

General alternative indicating granting permission.

I permitted

Formal alternative emphasizing explicit consent or authorization.

I consented to

Emphasizes agreement or willingness to allow something.

I authorized

Suggests formal approval or sanctioning of an action.

I approved

Implies formal endorsement or acceptance.

I enabled

Focuses on providing the means or opportunity for something to happen.

I gave the go-ahead

Informal, meaning I granted permission to proceed.

I greenlit

Informal, indicates giving the go-ahead for a project or activity.

I gave leave

Formal and somewhat archaic, implying explicit permission.

I suffered

Indicates reluctantly allowing something to happen, often negative.

FAQs

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

You can use "I let" to indicate that you permitted someone to do something. For example, "I let my daughter stay up late to watch the movie" or "I let the cat outside for a few minutes".

What are some alternatives to "I let"?

Alternatives to "I let" include "I allowed", "I permitted", and "I enabled". The best choice depends on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

What is the difference between "I let" and "I made"?

"I let" implies giving permission, while "I made" suggests compelling someone to do something. For example, "I let him borrow my car" means he had my permission, while "I made him clean his room" means I forced him to do it.

Is it ever incorrect to use "I let"?

The phrase "I let" is generally correct, but it's important to ensure clarity about the scope of permission. Avoid ambiguity by specifying any limitations or conditions. In some formal contexts, "I permitted" or "I allowed" might be more appropriate.