let's see

USAGE SUMMARY

"Let's see" is a perfectly valid phrase in written English.
You can use it when you are considering a situation and want to express that you'd like to look into it further. For example, "We haven't decided on the specifics yet, let's see what other options are available."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"Let's see how".

The New York Times

"Let's see," he said.

The New York Times

"Let's see," Obama said.

The New Yorker

"Let's see," she said.

The New Yorker

O.K., let's see … Yael?

The New Yorker

"Let's see," Mourinho said of Drogba.

Independent

"Let's see if mine works.

The New Yorker

"Let's see whose [goal]," he said.

The Guardian - Sport

"Let's see how it matures.

Independent

"Let's see how he feels tomorrow".

The New York Times - Sports

"Let's see if it does".

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "let's see" as a transition to indicate a pause for thought or to introduce an explanation or example.

Common error

Avoid using "let's see" excessively in formal or academic writing, as it can make your tone sound too casual. Opt for more formal phrases like "let us consider" or "we shall examine" in such contexts.

Linguistic Context

"Let's see" primarily functions as a discourse marker or interjection. It indicates a pause for thought, consideration, or anticipation of a future action or outcome. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a common phrase used in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Academia

25%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "let's see" is a common and versatile phrase used to indicate a pause for thought, consideration, or anticipation. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and widely accepted, particularly in neutral contexts like news and media. While it's less common in formal academic writing, its function as a discourse marker makes it a valuable tool for signaling transitions and inviting reflection. When choosing alternatives, consider the level of formality required and the specific nuance you wish to convey. For example, "let us see" is a more formal option, while "time will tell" emphasizes the revealing nature of future events.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

let us see

More formal variant of "let's see".

let me see

Similar in meaning, focusing on personal perspective.

we shall see

Expresses anticipation of future events.

time will tell

Emphasizes the revealing nature of future events.

we'll find out

Indicates a future discovery.

let's find out

Suggests a collaborative investigation.

let's investigate

Emphasizes the active search for information.

let's consider

Focuses on thoughtful evaluation.

let's examine

Focuses on detailed inspection.

we'll see how it goes

Highlights the uncertainty and progression of an event.

FAQs

How can I use "let's see" in a sentence?

You can use "let's see" to indicate you are thinking or about to check something. For example, "Let's see, where did I put my keys?" or "Let's see what options we have available."

What are some alternatives to "let's see"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "let me see", "we shall see", or "let us consider".

Is "let's see" appropriate for formal writing?

While "let's see" is grammatically correct, it is generally more suitable for informal contexts. In formal writing, consider using alternatives like "let us examine" or "we shall observe".

What is the grammatical function of "let's see"?

"Let's see" typically functions as an interjection or discourse marker to signal a pause for thought, introduce an explanation, or express anticipation.