let him tell

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "let him tell" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when you want to allow someone the opportunity to share their thoughts or story. Example: "If he has something to say about the situation, let him tell his side of the story."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

54 human-written examples

Let him tell them.

The New Yorker

Let him tell you.

The New York Times - Books

Let him tell his story his way.

The New York Times

"I'll let him tell me," he said.

The New York Times - Sports

Let him tell the world how bad we are.

The New York Times - Travel

"I just let him tell his story," Barnes' character retorts, "That's what I do.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

6 human-written examples

So May herself is a part of Nichols's story, but, for the most part, she lets him tell it.

The New Yorker

I told myself there would be no harm in letting him take me out one more time, in letting him tell me how great his new life was.

The New York Times

What about letting him tell his story himself and give readers the opportunity to judge for themselves?

The New York Times - Magazine

In fact it was, so the producers, plus their graphic artists, got round this by not letting him tell us what he was putting in the pot.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Stop letting him tell you what to think".

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "let him tell" when you want to emphasize the importance of hearing someone's perspective directly, without interjection or interpretation from others.

Common error

Avoid using "let him tell" if the audience lacks the necessary context to understand the speaker's narrative. Ensure they have sufficient background information to follow the story.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "let him tell" functions primarily as an imperative, used to give permission or encouragement for someone to speak or narrate. As shown by Ludwig, it sets the stage for an individual to share their unique perspective or story.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Wiki

10%

Reference

10%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "let him tell" is a common and grammatically correct imperative phrase used to grant someone permission or encourage them to share their story or perspective. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability across various contexts, particularly in news and media. While generally neutral in register, its impact lies in ceding narrative control to another, enhancing credibility and emotional connection. When considering alternatives, phrases like "allow him to explain" or "permit him to narrate" offer more formal options, while "let him speak" provides a concise equivalent.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

let him speak

Short form of granting permission to talk.

allow him to explain

Focuses on permitting someone to provide clarification or details.

let him communicate

Focuses on granting permission to share information.

permit him to narrate

Emphasizes the act of storytelling or recounting events.

let him express himself

Focuses on granting permission to share personal feelings or ideas.

enable him to share his account

Focuses on empowering someone to present their version of events.

give him the floor to speak

Highlights granting someone the opportunity to address an audience or express their views.

authorize him to disclose

Implies granting official permission for someone to reveal information.

leave it to him to recount

Suggests entrusting someone with the task of narrating a story.

have him be the one to relate

Highlights choosing him as the person to provide information.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "let him tell" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, use phrases such as "allow him to explain" or "permit him to narrate" depending on the context.

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

It's appropriate to use "let him tell" when you want to give someone the opportunity to share their story or perspective directly, without interruption or interpretation from others.

What is the difference between "let him tell" and "have him explain"?

"Let him tell" implies allowing someone to narrate a story or give their account, whereas "have him explain" suggests directing someone to clarify a specific point or issue. Both phrases involve someone providing information, but the former emphasizes narrative freedom, while the latter emphasizes directed explanation.

Is "let him tell" grammatically correct?

Yes, "let him tell" is grammatically correct. It follows the standard structure of an imperative sentence using "let" to grant permission or make a request.