let me go

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'let me go' is correct and usable in written English.
It is often used as a request for someone to be released, allowed to leave, or simply given permission to go. For example: "Please let me go - I need to get home for dinner."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"Let me go!!! Please".

The New York Times

Let me go on.

The Guardian - Sport

Let me go off quietly.

Encyclopedia Britannica

"She won't let me go".

The New York Times

Just don't let me go.

The New York Times

"Please, please let me go".

The New York Times - Magazine

"If they let me go".

The New York Times

He just let me go.

The Guardian - Film

So he let me go".

The New York Times

Just let me go around the block".

The New Yorker

I beg you, sir, let me go".

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "let me go" in dialogue, consider the emotional state of the speaker. Is it a plea, a demand, or a simple request? Tailor the surrounding language to match the tone.

Common error

Avoid using "let me go" in situations where a more polite or formal request is required. In professional settings, consider alternatives like "may I be excused" or "I need to step away for a moment".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "let me go" functions primarily as an imperative, expressing a direct request or command. It seeks to persuade or compel someone to grant freedom or permission to leave. Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

98%

Encyclopedias

0.5%

Science

0.5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "let me go" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to request freedom or permission to leave a situation. As Ludwig AI highlights, the phrase appears most frequently in news and media contexts, often within direct quotes or reports. While generally neutral to informal in register, its effectiveness depends on the speaker's tone and relationship with the listener. When writing, be mindful of the context and choose alternative phrases like "allow me to leave" or "I need to step away" for more formal scenarios. It's better to avoid "let me go" in professional communications unless it's part of a direct quote.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I need to go

Indicates a necessity to leave.

allow me to leave

More formal and polite, emphasizes permission.

I want to leave

Direct and simple statement of desire to exit.

release me

Emphasizes being freed from confinement or restraint.

set me free

More emphatic and can imply a metaphorical freedom.

free me

More urgent and forceful request for release.

permit me to depart

Highly formal and emphasizes departure.

let me out

More direct, commonly used when someone is inside a place.

I'm leaving now

Statement of immediate departure.

I'm out of here

Informal expression of leaving.

FAQs

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

You can use "let me go" as a direct request for freedom or permission to leave, such as, "The suspect pleaded, 'Please "let me go", I didn't do anything wrong'."

What's the difference between "let me go" and "allow me to leave"?

"Let me go" is a more direct and sometimes urgent request, while "allow me to leave" is more formal and polite. The choice depends on the context and the relationship between the speaker and the listener.

What can I say instead of "let me go" in a formal setting?

In a formal setting, you could use phrases like "may I be excused", "I must take my leave", or "I need to step away" depending on the situation.

Is it ever appropriate to use "let me go" in a business email?

Using ""let me go"" in a business email is generally inappropriate unless you are quoting someone or referring to a very specific situation. Instead, use more professional language to express your need to leave or be excused from a task or meeting.