let it sit

USAGE SUMMARY

"let it sit" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when you want to suggest that someone should pause or wait before taking further action. For example, you might say, "Let it sit for a few hours before taking the next step."

✓ Grammatically correct

Wiki

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Let it sit again?

The New York Times - Sports

Just let it sit there.

The New York Times

I let it sit overnight.

The New Yorker

"You have to let it sit".

The New York Times

Let it sit at room temperature.

Independent

Let it sit for an hour.

The Guardian - Tech

Just let it sit, it appears.

The New York Times

Let it sit for about five minutes.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"But we can't let it sit there forever".

The New York Times

He let it sit.

Forbes

They just let it sit and wither.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "let it sit" in recipes, specify the duration. For example, "Let the dough sit for 30 minutes."

Common error

Avoid using "let it sit" without providing context or a specific timeframe. Be clear about what should sit and for how long to ensure clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "let it sit" primarily functions as an imperative, giving a direct instruction to allow something to remain undisturbed. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage, evident in examples instructing to let dough rest or stains set.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Wiki

44%

News & Media

38%

Science

18%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "let it sit" is a common and grammatically correct imperative, as confirmed by Ludwig AI, used to instruct someone to allow something to remain undisturbed for a period. It appears frequently in recipes, cleaning instructions, and general advice. While versatile, providing context about what should sit and for how long improves clarity. Alternatives such as "allow it to rest" or "leave it undisturbed" can offer nuanced variations. The phrase maintains a neutral register, making it suitable for diverse everyday scenarios.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

allow it to rest

Focuses on providing a period of inactivity for recuperation or settling.

leave it undisturbed

Emphasizes avoiding any interference or manipulation.

permit it to stand

Suggests allowing something to remain in its current position or state.

give it time to settle

Highlights the need for a duration for components to stabilize.

hold off acting on it

Indicates postponing any action or decision concerning the matter.

delay intervention

Stresses the importance of delaying interference for a specific reason.

refrain from touching it

Highlights avoiding physical interaction.

desist from manipulating it

Focuses on refraining from intentionally altering or influencing.

cease activity around it

Highlights the need to stop or pause every activity around it.

pause and wait

Encourages a break and a period of waiting before any action.

FAQs

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

You can use "let it sit" to instruct someone to allow something to remain undisturbed for a period of time. For example, "After applying the stain, "let it sit" for 24 hours".

What does "let it sit" mean?

"Let it sit" means to allow something to remain undisturbed for a period of time, often to allow it to settle, absorb, or otherwise change.

What can I say instead of "let it sit"?

Alternatives to "let it sit" include "allow it to rest", "leave it undisturbed", or "give it time to settle", depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "leave it sit" instead of "let it sit"?

While "leave it sit" might be understood, it's not grammatically standard. "Let it sit" is the correct and more widely accepted phrase.