let it drip

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "let it drip" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where you want to suggest allowing something to flow or fall slowly, often referring to liquids or metaphorically to information or emotions. Example: "After washing the dishes, I placed them in the rack and let it drip to dry."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

26 human-written examples

Let it drip!

Independent

When Abbey's mother protested at this impromptu arrangement, Abbey's father facetiously suggested that he should just let it "drip dry" instead.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Removing the seaweed from the tray, he rinsed and brushed it again to separate the fine blades, then let it drip dry against the paper.

The New York Times

"At times when I'm driving and I see a major tag, I stop, put some biodegradable cleaner on it, and let it drip," he said with a malevolent grin.

The New York Times

It sounded promising, but I chickened out, in part because the drug was approved for knees and not toes and in part because it would cost $2,800, but mainly because the doctor's nose ran constantly and he let it drip everywhere, including onto a consent form explaining the risk of infection from the treatment.

The New York Times - Health

I just dry it with a towel and let it drip dry.

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

34 human-written examples

Wash the paper with hot water, letting it drip into the carafe to warm it.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Spoon the icing over the cake letting it drip down the sides.

The Guardian

Drizzle the glaze all over the surface of the bread, letting it drip down the sides.

The Guardian

Pour the glaze all over the top of the cake, letting it drip down the sides (the plate underneath should catch all the drips).

The Guardian - Lifestyle

These days Fage uses a centrifuge to spin the watery liquid from the thick, creamy yoghurt, rather than letting it drip through cheesecloth.

The Telegraph

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "let it drip" to imply a passive action, where you're allowing a natural process to occur without intervention. For instance, "After rinsing the seaweed, let it drip dry against the paper" showcases this approach.

Common error

While grammatically sound, "let it drip" can sound too casual or informal in professional or academic writing. Opt for more precise and formal alternatives like "allow it to drain" or "permit excess to flow" in these settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "let it drip" primarily functions as an imperative, giving a command or instruction to allow something to fall in drops. As Ludwig indicates, the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Wiki

32%

News & Media

30%

Academia

2%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "let it drip" functions as an imperative instruction to allow a liquid to fall in drops, often for drying or draining purposes. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and usable, though more suited to informal contexts. While commonly found in general instructions and everyday conversation, more formal settings may benefit from alternatives like "allow it to drain". Usage analysis indicates it's frequently encountered in how-to guides and news reports, while less common in academic and business writing. Understanding its register and purpose ensures effective communication across diverse situations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

let it trickle down

Adds directionality, specifying a downward movement.

let it run down

Similar to 'trickle down', but suggests a slightly larger volume or faster movement.

allow it to trickle

Focuses on a small, gentle flow, implying less volume than "let it drip".

allow it to fall drop by drop

Emphasizes the individual drops, creating a visual image of the process.

permit it to leak

Implies an unintended or undesirable release of liquid, unlike the neutral connotation of "let it drip".

leave it to dry by dripping

Specifically refers to the drying process facilitated by dripping.

leave it to drain

Emphasizes the removal of excess liquid, whereas "let it drip" simply describes the action of falling.

enable it to flow slowly

Highlights the slow and controlled nature of the movement.

allow it to seep

Suggests a gradual and often unseen movement, implying a slow penetration.

let gravity do its work

Replaces the explicit action with a more general statement about the force causing the dripping.

FAQs

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

You can use "let it drip" to describe allowing a liquid to fall slowly, such as "After washing the brushes, "let it drip" dry" or "I poured the glaze over the cake, "letting it drip" down the sides".

What are some alternatives to "let it drip"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "allow it to drain", "permit it to trickle", or "leave it to dry".

Is it correct to say "let it drip" or should I use another phrase?

"Let it drip" is grammatically correct and commonly used in informal contexts. However, in more formal settings, consider using phrases like "allow it to flow" or "permit drainage".

What does "let it drip" mean?

"Let it drip" means to allow a liquid to fall in drops. It's often used when referring to allowing something to dry or drain naturally. For example, "Wash the fruit and "let it drip" dry on a towel".