let him suffer

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "let him suffer" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where one is expressing a desire for someone to experience hardship or pain, often in a figurative sense. Example: "After everything he did to us, I think it's only fair to let him suffer for his actions."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

Just let him suffer?

The New Yorker

"Let him suffer".

The New York Times

So be it; let him suffer.

The Guardian - Opinion

I wish I could have assured him then that I would not let him suffer.

The Guardian - Opinion

But it is just possible that you can effect a transfer, relax as dummy and let him suffer.

The New York Times - Arts

"But a lot of it has to do with a deliberate effort by his parents to not let him suffer the perils of ghetto life.

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

"It's better to let him die than to suffer while going from one hospital to another".

The New York Times - Magazine

Cashman acknowledged that Jeter was "priceless for our fans," and it stands to reason that if the Yankees let him leave, their image would suffer significant short-term damage.

The New York Times

"Let's make him suffer".

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Don't let them suffer".

The New York Times - Arts

Don't let them suffer in silence.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "let him suffer" to express a deliberate decision to allow someone to experience negative consequences, often as a form of justice or retribution.

Common error

Avoid using "let him suffer" when you mean to describe passively allowing hardship when you should be actively helping, instead of using the phrase as an endorsement of his/her sufferings. It is important to understand the difference between allowing a natural consequence to occur and wishing someone harm.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "let him suffer" functions primarily as an imperative, expressing a command or permission for someone to experience hardship. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. It can also function as a declarative statement, expressing a belief that someone should face negative consequences.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Formal & Business

17%

Wiki

6%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Science

11%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "let him suffer" is grammatically correct and commonly employed to express a deliberate decision or desire to allow someone to experience negative consequences, either as a form of justice, a natural outcome of their actions, or as a means of learning. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English, although its appropriateness depends heavily on the context and the speaker's intent. As Ludwig examples show, the phrase appears most frequently in news and media, reflecting discussions around justice, accountability, and consequences. While generally neutral, the register can shift to informal when conveying personal anger or frustration. It's important to differentiate allowing a natural consequence from actively wishing harm, as misusing the phrase can be ethically questionable.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

leave him to suffer the consequences

Similar to "make him face the consequences" but with a sense of abandonment.

allow him to endure

Formal alternative, focusing on allowing someone to go through a difficult experience.

make him pay the price

Focuses on retribution and making someone atone for their actions.

make him face the consequences

Emphasizes accountability and experiencing the results of one's actions.

leave him to his fate

Suggests a hands-off approach, letting whatever happens happen.

permit him to experience hardship

Formal and somewhat detached way of saying someone will go through tough times.

subject him to adversity

Highlights actively putting someone in a difficult situation.

condemn him to pain

Implies a strong judgment and a deliberate infliction of suffering.

allow hardship to befall him

Focuses on hardship happening to someone, with a sense of inevitability.

let him stew in his own juice

Idiomatic expression suggesting someone should be left to deal with their problems alone.

FAQs

What does "let him suffer" mean?

The phrase "let him suffer" means to allow someone to experience pain, hardship, or negative consequences, often as a result of their own actions or choices.

What can I say instead of "let him suffer"?

You can use alternatives like "allow him to endure", "make him face the consequences", or "leave him to his fate" depending on the specific context.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "let him suffer"?

It's appropriate when you want to convey a deliberate decision to allow someone to experience negative consequences, often as a form of justice, retribution, or as a natural outcome of their actions. However, consider the ethical implications before using it, as it can sound harsh.

Is "let him suffer" grammatically correct?

Yes, "let him suffer" is grammatically correct. "Let" is used as an imperative verb, "him" is the object pronoun, and "suffer" is the infinitive verb without "to".