let it go

USAGE SUMMARY

'let it go' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to indicate an attitude of resignation or acceptance towards something that cannot be changed. For example: "I know I can't change the outcome, so I'm just going to let it go."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"But let it go.

The New York Times - Sports

"We let it go.

The New York Times

I let it go.

The New Yorker

Let it go, boys.

The New York Times - Books

Prokopi let it go.

The New Yorker

Let it go, Ken.

Independent

Let it go.

The New York Times

He let it go.

The New Yorker

Let it go, man.

The New York Times - Arts

Gibbons let it go.

The New Yorker

"Let it go," Maj.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "let it go" when advising someone to stop worrying about something they cannot control. It's particularly effective in situations involving minor frustrations or past grievances.

Common error

Avoid using "let it go" when the situation requires active problem-solving or addressing injustice. The phrase implies acceptance, which is not always appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "let it go" functions primarily as an imperative, urging someone to release or relinquish their hold on something, whether it's a physical object, an emotion, or a situation. Ludwig provides numerous examples demonstrating this usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

90%

Wiki

5%

Science

2%

Less common in

Formal & Business

1%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

"Let it go" is a very common imperative phrase used to advise acceptance or resignation, primarily in neutral to informal contexts. As Ludwig AI points out, it is grammatically correct and widely used across various sources, especially in news and media. While it's effective for suggesting that someone stop dwelling on minor issues, it's crucial to consider the appropriateness of the phrase in situations requiring active problem-solving. Alternative phrases like "forget about it" or "move on" can be used depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

get over it

Implies overcoming a difficult situation or emotion.

forget about it

Suggests moving on from a past event or concern.

put it behind you

Emphasizes the act of distancing oneself from a past event.

release it

Focuses on the act of freeing something, often an object or emotion.

move on

Indicates a shift in focus to something new, leaving the past behind.

don't dwell on it

Advises against focusing excessively on a negative thought or situation.

dismiss it

Implies a conscious decision to disregard something as unimportant.

let bygones be bygones

An idiom suggesting that past disputes should be forgotten.

forgive and forget

Encompasses both the act of forgiving and ceasing to think about a past offense.

turn the page

Metaphorically suggests starting a new chapter, leaving the old one behind.

FAQs

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

You can use "let it go" to advise someone to stop dwelling on something, as in: "He made a mistake, but you should "let it go"."

What's a more formal way to say "let it go"?

While "let it go" is generally informal, you can use phrases like "disregard it", "overlook it", or "set it aside" in more formal settings. The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is "let it go" always good advice?

No, "let it go" is not always appropriate. It's best suited for minor issues or situations beyond your control. For serious problems, addressing the issue directly is often necessary.

What's the difference between "let it go" and "move on"?

"Let it go" typically implies accepting something that has already happened, while "move on" suggests actively changing your focus to something new. Both can be used to cope with difficult situations, but they emphasize different approaches.