leave them be

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "leave them be" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase when you are asking someone to not interfere with a certain situation or group of people. For example, you might say, "Let's leave them be and let them figure it out on their own."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

42 human-written examples

Otherwise leave them be.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

It's time to leave them be.

The Guardian - Film

They're absolutely right, so let's leave them be.

Independent

Morrison decides to leave them be but warns them loudly that he will be back later to have a chat.

The Guardian

They're all hedonistic innocents, living before the Fall in the Garden of Weeden, but The Man won't leave them be.

The Guardian

When he says that if you leave them be, they will die out, that's simply not true.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

18 human-written examples

Most men with his addiction, as well as the wives who do not leave them, are thankful for their privacy.

Huffington Post

It also recognizes other apps, like Clock, that are already dark, and leaves them be.

TechCrunch

Leaving them was not easy.

The New York Times

So the joy of leaving was great but the heartache of me leaving them was bittersweet".

The Guardian

Negative air pressure is maintained in the labs, and the air leaving them is filtered.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When advising someone to "leave them be", ensure the context clearly indicates respect for autonomy or a need for privacy. Overuse in situations requiring intervention can be perceived as dismissive.

Common error

Avoid using "leave them be" when the situation necessitates support or assistance. Applying it inappropriately might convey a lack of empathy or concern.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "leave them be" functions as an imperative, directing someone to refrain from interfering with a particular person or group. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and serves as a command or suggestion to allow others to proceed without intervention.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Wiki

44%

Huffington Post

12%

Less common in

The New Yorker

0%

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "leave them be" is a common and grammatically correct imperative used to advise non-interference. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is suitable for most informal communication, but it may not be the best choice in formal settings. Its primary function is to instruct others to allow autonomy, and its usage is prevalent in News & Media and Wiki sources. When employing "leave them be", it's essential to consider the context, ensuring it doesn't convey indifference in situations requiring assistance. Be mindful of these nuances, leveraging alternatives like "let them be" or "do not disturb them" for slightly different shades of meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

let them be

This alternative is a more concise and direct synonym, maintaining the same imperative tone.

leave them alone

This alternative is a more direct and forceful command to avoid contact.

do not disturb them

This is a more formal and explicit instruction to avoid interrupting or bothering someone.

let them handle it

This suggests allowing someone to manage a situation without assistance.

don't interfere

This directly advises against intervening in a situation.

allow them to proceed

This is a polite and formal way of saying to let someone continue without interruption.

give them space

This suggests allowing emotional or physical distance.

refrain from meddling

This is a formal way of saying to avoid interfering in something that is not your concern.

let it ride

An idiomatic expression meaning to allow a situation to unfold without interference.

step back and observe

This suggests a more detached approach of watching without getting involved.

FAQs

How can I use "leave them be" in a sentence?

You can use "leave them be" when advising someone to not interfere or bother others. For example, "They seem to be working through a problem, so let's "leave them be" and see if they can resolve it themselves."

What's the difference between "leave them be" and "leave them alone"?

While both phrases suggest non-interference, "leave them be" often implies a more temporary or situational request for space, whereas "leave them alone" can indicate a stronger desire for prolonged or indefinite solitude.

Is "leave them be" appropriate in formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "leave them be" is generally considered informal. In formal contexts, consider alternatives like "allow them to proceed" or "refrain from interfering".

What are some situations where I shouldn't use "leave them be"?

"Leave them be" is inappropriate when someone is in danger or needs help. It shouldn't be used in situations where intervention is necessary for safety or well-being.