let it be

USAGE SUMMARY

"let it be" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It can be used to express resignation in the face of a situation or to suggest that something should be allowed to exist or occur without interference. For example: "Though I wanted to help, I decided to take a step back and just let it be."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Let it be finished".

The New York Times

"Let it be good".

The New York Times

Let it be so.

The New Yorker

Well, let it be.

The New York Times - Food

"Let it be martyrdom".

The New York Times

Let it be soon".

The New Yorker

Let it be translated.

The New York Times - Books

And let it be gin.

The New York Times - Food

"Don't let it be distracting".

The New York Times

So let it be known".

Independent

"Because we let it be".

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "let it be" when you want to suggest acceptance or resignation in the face of an inevitable or uncontrollable situation. It implies a sense of calm acceptance rather than active intervention.

Common error

Avoid using "let it be" when you intend to suggest a course of action or a proactive solution. The phrase implies passivity and acceptance, which is contradictory to advocating for change or intervention.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "let it be" primarily functions as an imperative, offering a suggestion or command to allow something to occur without interference. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Academia

10%

Science

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "let it be" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to express acceptance, resignation, or non-interference. Ludwig AI validates its correct usage across diverse contexts, primarily in news and media. While its register leans towards neutral to informal, it conveys a message of calm acquiescence. To avoid misuse, it's best to remember that the expression indicates a passive acceptance rather than a suggestion for active intervention. Alternatives like "leave it alone" or "allow it to happen" can offer similar meanings in different shades. This makes "let it be" a versatile phrase for expressing acceptance in various scenarios.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

leave it alone

Focuses on non-interference, emphasizing leaving something undisturbed.

just let it go

Emphasizes releasing or relinquishing control over a situation.

allow it to happen

Highlights permission or acceptance of an event.

accept the outcome

Focuses on embracing the result, often implying resignation.

let the chips fall where they may

Implies acceptance of whatever consequences arise.

so be it

Expresses acceptance, often with a sense of finality.

permit it to exist

Stresses the allowance of something's presence or continuation.

allow events to unfold

Suggests a hands-off approach, letting things develop naturally.

don't interfere

Directly advises against intervention.

take a hands-off approach

Recommends a non-interventionist strategy.

FAQs

How can I use "let it be" in a sentence?

You can use "let it be" to express acceptance or resignation, such as "I tried to fix it, but now I'll just "let it be"".

What's a more formal alternative to "let it be"?

In formal contexts, consider alternatives like "allow it to proceed" or "permit the situation to unfold" instead of ""let it be"".

Is "let it be" grammatically correct?

Yes, ""let it be"" is grammatically correct as an imperative phrase. It follows the standard structure of a command or suggestion.

What does "let it be" mean in the context of the Beatles' song?

In the Beatles' song, ""let it be"" conveys a message of acceptance and finding peace in difficult times. It suggests trusting in a higher power or accepting the natural course of events.