let him question

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "let him question" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when you want to allow or encourage someone to ask questions or express doubts. Example: "In this discussion, I believe it's important to let him question the assumptions we've made."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

It's certainly got some laughs, however, many due to a superb (but oddly uncredited) cameo from Kevin Bacon as a conceited actor doing research for his latest cop movie; the police let him question Martin - and he does an unnervingly good job.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

After the break up, let him ask questions.

WikiHow

Are you expecting any sort of conflict with the chairman of the Federal Reserve over interest rates? A. I might let him ask the question -- answer the question about his relationship with the Fed.

The New York Times

But, since the wall between church and state is crumbling and Romney is going to give a speech about religion, let him answer a question that's entirely legitimate in a secular country: Why did you never publicly question your church's exclusion of blacks from full membership?

The New Yorker

"Whether the culture wars will let him is the question, and the answer is unknown".

The New York Times

JUDGE KLEIN: Let him finish the question first and then make your objection, and I will rule.

The New Yorker

So he asked Bristol-Myers to let him study the question as part of Prove It, and the company agreed.

The New York Times

MR. CORZINE: Well, I haven't heard Congressman Franks speak explicitly about race relations, so I'll let him answer that question.

The New York Times

My other feeling, though, was: I sure hope Colin Powell is always right in his advice to Mr. Bush -- because he so towered over the president-elect, who let him answer every question on foreign policy, that it was impossible to imagine Mr. Bush ever challenging or overruling Mr. Powell on any issue.

The New York Times

"Chris, let him answer the question," Scarborough said.

Huffington Post

Mr. Spielberg said that since he felt he worked for Mr. Hanks on the project, he would let him field all questions.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "let him question", ensure the context clearly indicates who is granting permission or creating the opportunity for questioning. For example, "The moderator decided to "let him question" the panel after the initial presentations."

Common error

Avoid using "let him question" when you intend to convey complete agreement. "Let" implies permission to inquire, not necessarily acceptance of the answers. If you agree, consider alternatives like "affirm his point" or "endorse his statement".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "let him question" functions as a verb phrase expressing permission or allowance. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's usable and correct, signifying the act of permitting someone to inquire or challenge. The phrase is used to grant someone the opportunity to express doubt or seek further understanding.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Wiki

33%

Science

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Encyclopedias

3%

Academia

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "let him question" is a grammatically correct and commonly used verb phrase that expresses permission or allowance for someone to ask questions or express doubts. Ludwig AI validates its correctness and usability. While versatile, it's important to consider the context and intended tone, opting for more formal alternatives like "allow him to ask questions" in professional settings. Remember that "let him question" grants the opportunity to inquire, but does not necessarily imply agreement with the resulting answers. It's usage is frequent across a number of sources with News & Media and Wiki being the most prominent.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

allow him to ask questions

Replaces "let" with the more formal "allow", maintaining the core meaning.

permit him to inquire

Substitutes both "let" and "question" with more formal synonyms, resulting in a more elevated tone.

give him leave to question

"Give leave" is a slightly archaic but still valid way of expressing permission.

enable him to question

Focuses on empowering or making it possible for him to question.

authorize him to ask

Implies an official approval or sanction to ask questions.

do not prevent him from questioning

Shifts the focus to the absence of restriction, rather than active permission.

don't stop him questioning

A more conversational equivalent emphasizing the lack of prohibition.

invite his questions

Suggests an encouragement or welcome for his inquiries.

encourage him to inquire

Explicitly promotes and supports his questioning.

make it possible for him to inquire

Focuses on creating the conditions for questioning, rather than direct permission.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "let him question" for a more formal tone?

In formal contexts, consider using phrases such as "allow him to ask questions", "permit him to inquire", or "grant him leave to question" to maintain a professional register.

What does "let him question" imply?

The phrase "let him question" implies that someone is giving permission or opportunity for another person to ask questions or express doubts. It does not necessarily imply agreement with the questions or their underlying assumptions.

Is there a difference between "let him question" and "encourage him to question"?

Yes. "Let him question" simply grants permission, whereas "encourage him to inquire" implies actively promoting or supporting the act of questioning.

When is it appropriate to use "let him question"?

It's appropriate when you want to indicate that someone is being given the opportunity to inquire, probe, or challenge assumptions. For instance, "During the investigation, the detective decided to "let him question" the suspect."