leave to cool

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "leave to cool" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used in cooking instructions to indicate that a dish should be allowed to reach a lower temperature after being heated. Example: "After baking the cake, leave to cool for at least 30 minutes before serving."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Drain and leave to cool.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Leave to cool completely.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Stir, then leave to cool down completely.

The New York Times

Season to taste and leave to cool.

Independent

Remove the foil and leave to cool.

Independent

Leave to cool then refrigerate overnight.

Independent

Remove from the pan; leave to cool.

Independent

Leave to cool before moving the biscuits.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Cover and leave to cool.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Remove and leave to cool.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Leave to cool in the tin.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When providing instructions, be specific about the desired degree of cooling. For instance, specify "leave to cool completely" or "leave to cool until lukewarm".

Common error

Avoid assuming the user understands the ambient conditions. Specify whether the item should be left to cool at room temperature or in a refrigerated environment for optimal results.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "leave to cool" primarily functions as an imperative instruction, directing the user to allow something to cool down. As Ludwig AI indicates, it is a correct and usable phrase in English. Examples from the search results demonstrate its common use in recipes and other instructional contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

59%

Wiki

18%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "leave to cool" is a common and grammatically sound instruction, particularly prevalent in cooking and baking recipes. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a correct and practical phrase for guiding users to allow something to cool down. While "allow to cool" and "let it cool" offer similar meanings, being specific about the desired cooling level enhances clarity. The phrase sees frequent use in "News & Media" and "Wiki" contexts. Therefore, ensure the specific requirements for the cooling process are clear to the user when using the phrase "leave to cool".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

allow to cool

Replaces "leave" with "allow", providing a slightly more formal tone but maintaining the same meaning.

let cool

Uses "let" instead of "leave", offering a more casual and concise alternative.

set aside to cool

Emphasizes the action of moving something to a different location for cooling.

set to cool

Implies setting something in a state of cooling, often passively.

permit to cool

Substitutes "leave" with "permit", resulting in a more formal and less common phrasing.

stand to cool

Suggests allowing the item to cool while standing or resting, often in place.

allow to reach room temperature

Specifies the desired temperature, adding detail to the instruction.

cool down

A more general term that omits the 'leave to' instruction, implying the same action.

wait for it to cool

Focuses on the waiting aspect of the cooling process.

enable cooling

Focuses on the action of making cooling possible, rather than the direct instruction.

FAQs

How is "leave to cool" typically used in a recipe?

In recipes, "leave to cool" instructs the cook to allow the food to reach a lower temperature after cooking or baking. This prevents burning, improves texture, or allows for easier handling. For example, "After baking, "leave to cool" in the tin before frosting".

What's a less direct way to say "leave to cool"?

Alternatives to "leave to cool" include phrases like "allow to cool" or "let it cool". These options are slightly less direct but convey the same instruction.

Is it better to say "leave to cool" or "let cool"?

Both "leave to cool" and "let cool" are acceptable. "Let cool" is more concise and informal, while "leave to cool" is slightly more formal and emphasizes the act of leaving something unattended.

Can "leave to cool" be used outside of cooking contexts?

Yes, "leave to cool" can be used in other contexts where something needs to return to a lower temperature. For example, you might say, "Leave to cool before handling the newly molded plastic piece."