let it run off

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "let it run off" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to allowing something to flow away or to drain, often in a physical or metaphorical sense. Example: "After washing the car, make sure to let it run off before you dry it."

✓ Grammatically correct

Wiki

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

Don't touch her! Just open the door swiftly, and let it run off to deal with its wet fur in its own way.

WikiHow

Let it run off the whisk and, if it's too thick, add a little extra plain water until it's right.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

Bell turns him to midwicket and runs two, then lets it run off the face of the bat through gully for another two.

The Guardian - Sport

We have also gained a lot of experience collecting and using surface water rather than letting it run off in sewers - as is the tradition many places in the USA.

Huffington Post

You can drain the liquid by tilting the pan and letting it run off into a bowl, or you could also suction the liquid away using a turkey baster.

WikiHow

Let it run outside to dry off, use a towel, or get a toy specific for drying them off.

WikiHow

Let it run until it shuts off completely.

WikiHow

This guy started his stopwatch 416 days ago and has let it run ever since (never turning off his phone or losing power once for over a year? Good lord).

TechCrunch

If my car will be idling for just a few minutes, am I using more gas by letting it run or by shutting it off and restarting it?

The New York Times

Or maybe, just the opposite, you let him run off wherever he wants, because you already have a lover and you only wear the fancy bras and see-through pink undies with lace trim for him?

The New Yorker

But there were other times when he deluded himself, and I couldn't stand to let him run off at the mouth like that.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "let it run off" to describe a process, ensure the context clearly indicates what 'it' refers to. For example, specify the liquid or substance being drained for clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "let it run off" without a clear antecedent for 'it'. Readers may not understand what is supposed to be draining, leading to confusion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "let it run off" functions as a phrasal verb, indicating permission or allowance for something (usually a liquid) to drain or flow away. Ludwig provides examples illustrating its usage in contexts like draining water or managing financial assets.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Wiki

30%

News & Media

30%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

10%

Encyclopedias

10%

Reference

10%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "let it run off" is a phrasal verb that means to allow something to drain or flow away freely. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used in various contexts. It's important to ensure the antecedent of 'it' is clear to avoid ambiguity. While generally neutral in tone, more formal alternatives like "facilitate its drainage" may be preferred in certain situations. Example sources from Ludwig includes The New York Times and The Guardian.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

allow it to drain

Focuses on the action of draining.

permit it to flow away

Emphasizes the permission for the liquid to move.

enable it to escape

Highlights the release or escape of something, like liquid or an idea.

facilitate its drainage

A more formal way to express assisting the draining process.

let it trickle away

Suggests a slow and gradual draining process.

allow it to seep out

Implies a slow, often unintended leakage.

let it spill over

Focuses on the act of overflowing.

enable it to discharge

A technical or formal term for releasing something.

let it filter through

Suggests a process of separation or purification while draining.

allow it to dissipate

Refers to the process of something spreading out and vanishing.

FAQs

What does "let it run off" mean?

The phrase "let it run off" means to allow something, typically a liquid, to flow away or drain freely.

How can I use "let it run off" in a sentence?

For example, you can say, "After washing the car, "let it run off" completely before drying it".

What are some alternatives to "let it run off"?

You could use alternatives such as "allow it to drain", "permit it to flow away", or "enable it to escape", depending on the specific context.

Is "let it run off" formal or informal?

The phrase "let it run off" is generally considered informal and suitable for everyday conversation or writing. For more formal contexts, consider alternatives like "facilitate its drainage".