let somebody know

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "let somebody know" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when you want someone to inform another person about something or to communicate information. Example: "Please let me know if you will be attending the meeting tomorrow."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

12 human-written examples

"He'd let somebody know what had happened to him if he was able.

The Guardian

"We asked if they saw anything interesting, let somebody know," Mr. Moylan said, "and lo and behold, they found this small batch on Gottschalk".

The New York Times

No way I was going to let somebody know I'd been gotten at; no way I was going to give somebody that satisfaction".

The New York Times

"Don't you say hello to nobody when you ain't seen them for ten years?" "If folks let somebody know where they is and when they coming, then other folks can get ready for them.

The New Yorker

There's lots of different ways you can let somebody know you don't like what they're doing as opposed to what I did, so I could have gone about it many other ways for sure".

The New York Times - Sports

"If I decide to play, I need to let somebody know by the first of February," Clemens, 42, said after playing in the Mercedes Championships pro-am in Kapalua, Hawaii.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

47 human-written examples

As my understanding of photography only really extends to "don't forget to wind it on", I thought I'd let somebody who knows a little bit more about this sort of thing have their say.

Vice

That's a constant learning process — how to let go and let somebody else do it who knows how to do it better than you do it.

The New York Times

"Do you think it's smart to let somebody come, someone you don't know, to invite him to your state, the state everybody is fighting against?

The Guardian

(FG3)" " Having a Parent Teacher Meeting, let somebody come and advise them listen you know you have to help at the school as well as the parents have to help at home.

BMC Oral Health

You know, it's time to let somebody else be the captain".

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "let somebody know", ensure the context clearly indicates what information needs to be communicated. Be specific to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "let somebody know" without specifying what information is needed. For instance, instead of "Let me know", say "Let me know if you can attend the meeting" for clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "let somebody know" functions as a phrasal verb construction, primarily used to request or instruct someone to communicate information. Ludwig AI confirms that this phrase is standard and widely accepted.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Wiki

27%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

9%

Academia

9%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "let somebody know" is a versatile phrase used to instruct or request someone to communicate information. Ludwig AI affirms its grammatical correctness and widespread acceptance across various contexts. It's crucial to specify what information needs to be conveyed to avoid vagueness. Alternatives like "inform someone" or "notify someone" can be used depending on the desired level of formality. The phrase is most commonly found in news and media, wiki, and science contexts, making it a practical addition to any writer's toolkit.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

make someone aware

Focuses on ensuring that the person is conscious of the information.

inform someone

This is a more formal synonym for "let somebody know".

keep someone informed

Implies a continuous flow of information.

notify someone

Similar to 'inform', but can also imply a more official communication.

update someone

Suggests providing the latest information on a particular matter.

tell someone

A more direct and informal way to convey the same meaning.

give someone notice

Implies a formal or official announcement.

advise someone

Suggests providing guidance or recommendations along with the information.

get in touch with someone

Suggests initiating communication to relay the information.

apprise someone

A more formal and less common way of saying "let someone know".

FAQs

How can I use "let somebody know" in a sentence?

You can use "let somebody know" to indicate that you want someone to inform another person of something. For example, "Please "let somebody know" if you can't make it to the appointment".

What are some alternatives to "let somebody know"?

Alternatives include "inform someone", "notify someone", or "tell someone", depending on the context and level of formality.

Is "let someone know" or "let somebody know" more correct?

"Let someone know" and "let somebody know" are both grammatically correct and largely interchangeable. The choice often depends on personal preference or stylistic considerations.

What's the difference between "let somebody know" and "keep somebody informed"?

"Let somebody know" generally implies a one-time communication, while "keep somebody informed" suggests providing updates regularly. For example, "Let somebody know when you arrive" versus "Keep me informed of any changes".