let him live

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "let him live" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where one is advocating for someone's survival or continued existence, often in a dramatic or moral sense. Example: "Despite the circumstances, I believe we should show mercy and let him live."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Let him live!

The New Yorker

They can't let him live.

The New York Times

Please let him live".

The Guardian

"But they won't let him live".

The New York Times

Let him live for another season.

The New York Times - Sports

"Let him live my life and see".

The New York Times

"Can't let him live," Sakurada said casually.

The New Yorker

Would God let him live until the children were grown?

The New Yorker

His cricketing life has just begun; let him live it.

The Guardian - Opinion

He decided he was a civilian and let him live.

The Guardian

Johnson signed it; let him live with it.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "let him live", consider the emotional context. The phrase carries a strong sense of urgency or moral appeal. Ensure your writing reflects this gravity to maintain consistency.

Common error

Avoid using "let him live" in casual or trivial situations. The phrase implies a life-or-death scenario or a significant moral dilemma. Overusing it can diminish its impact and make your writing sound melodramatic.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "let him live" is as an imperative verb phrase, urging or requesting that someone's life be spared. It serves as a direct command or a strong plea, as seen in the Ludwig examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "let him live" is a grammatically correct and frequently used imperative phrase that serves as a plea for someone's life to be spared. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is widely used in News & Media. While versatile, it carries significant emotional weight and should be used thoughtfully in appropriate contexts. Consider related phrases like "allow him to survive" or "permit him to continue living" for alternative phrasing, depending on the level of formality you seek.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

let him remain alive

This alternative emphasizes the state of being alive

allow him to survive

This alternative uses a more formal tone, emphasizing the act of permitting survival.

permit him to continue living

This phrase is highly formal and highlights the allowance of continued existence.

refrain from killing him

This is a direct and explicit instruction to not take someone's life.

spare his life

This emphasizes a merciful decision to avoid killing someone.

let him be spared

This is a more passive construction that still conveys the idea of avoiding death.

grant him clemency

This suggests a formal act of forgiveness or pardon that allows someone to live.

allow him to exist

This is a basic statement that refers to allowing life

give him a chance at life

This focuses on the opportunity to experience life, implying a potential positive future.

leave him unharmed

This focuses on avoiding physical harm as a way to let the person live.

FAQs

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

You can use "let him live" when advocating for someone's survival or continued existence, especially in situations involving a moral decision or conflict. For example, "Despite his past actions, I believe we should "allow him to survive" and "let him live".

What does "let him live" imply?

"Let him live" typically implies a plea for mercy or a decision to spare someone's life. It suggests a scenario where someone's life is in danger or under threat, and there's a choice to be made about their fate. You could also use "spare his life".

What are some alternatives to saying "let him live"?

Alternatives to "let him live" include "allow him to survive", "permit him to continue living", or "spare his life". The best choice depends on the specific context and the level of formality required.

Is "let him live" formal or informal?

"Let him live" is generally considered a neutral to slightly formal phrase, suitable for various contexts, including news reports, legal proceedings, and dramatic narratives. However, its emotional weight makes it less appropriate for casual conversation. The more formal alternative is "permit him to continue living".