let it die

USAGE SUMMARY

'let it die' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You could use it when you are talking about letting go of something or someone, or when you are implying the end of an idea, situation, or process. For example, "We've been trying to fix the broken window for weeks, but it's just not working - let it die."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He uses them well on "Let It Die," with its soft acoustic murmur rising to an electric scream, and in the moralizing hard-rock of "Erase Replace".

The New York Times

Rather than trying to save Real ID with a less destructive bill, better to let it die of its fatal flaws.

Los Angeles Times

They let it die".

The New York Times

It wouldn't let it die.

Independent

Well, let it die, man.

The New Yorker

We cannot let it die".

The New York Times

We can't let it die".

The New York Times

Let it die with #Brangelina.

The Guardian - Opinion

"You must let it die with dignity".

Independent

If he goes, just let it die.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

There's no reason to let it die a slow death.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "let it die" when you want to suggest ending a process, argument, or project that is no longer productive or beneficial. It implies a sense of finality and acceptance.

Common error

While "let it die" is a valid phrase, avoid using it excessively in your writing. Overuse can make your tone seem overly negative or dismissive. Consider alternative phrases to maintain a balanced and nuanced perspective.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "let it die" primarily functions as an imperative, urging someone to allow something to end or cease. This is confirmed by Ludwig, indicating its usability in written English. The phrase commonly directs action towards acceptance of an end.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Academia

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "let it die" is a grammatically correct and very common imperative phrase used to suggest allowing something to end or fade away. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is appropriate for written English and frequently appears in news and media. While generally neutral in register, it's best to consider the formality of your context. For more formal scenarios, alternatives like "discontinue its existence" or "cease its maintenance" might be more fitting. The phrase serves to advise accepting a conclusion, encouraging a pragmatic decision to move on from something no longer beneficial. Overusing the phrase might sound overly negative, so balance is key.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

allow it to fade

Focuses on passively permitting something to diminish or disappear.

permit it to lapse

Emphasizes allowing something to expire or become invalid through inaction.

leave it to perish

Highlights abandoning something to its destruction or ruin.

cease its maintenance

Stresses stopping the upkeep or support of something, leading to its decline.

discontinue its existence

Indicates formally ending or halting the operation or life of something.

abandon its cause

Suggests giving up support or advocacy for a particular reason or goal.

relinquish its hold

Implies releasing control or influence over something, allowing it to decline.

forsake its survival

Emphasizes the act of abandoning something to face its demise or extinction.

allow it to fall

Focuses on permitting something to collapse or fail without intervention.

give up on it

Suggests losing hope or deciding not to continue supporting something.

FAQs

What does the phrase "let it die" mean?

The phrase "let it die" means to allow something to end, fade away, or be forgotten, often because it is no longer useful, relevant, or viable.

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

You can use "let it die" in sentences like, "The argument was going nowhere, so I decided to "let it die"", or "That project has been failing for months; we should just "let it die"".

What are some alternatives to saying "let it die"?

Alternatives to "let it die" include phrases like "allow it to fade", "give up on it", or "abandon its cause", depending on the specific context.

Is "let it die" appropriate for formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "let it die" may be considered too informal or blunt for certain types of formal writing. Consider using a more neutral or professional alternative in such contexts, such as "discontinue its existence" or "cease its maintenance".