let speak

USAGE SUMMARY

"let speak" is not a correct expression in written English.
The correct expression would be "let's speak". For example, "Let's speak about the project before making a decision."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Wiki

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

There are some things that as a photojournalist I let speak for themselves.

Vice

And he was always easy when interviewing members of his profession, who he let speak without interruption, without interrogation.

Huffington Post

It was then announced that there was a surprise "guest" that they (PMWC) "had to let speak" -- that's a quote.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

"The audience was saying, 'Let him speak, let him speak,'" Trump later told Fox News.

Los Angeles Times

Lets speak in I hour.

The Guardian

Let them speak after you are finished speaking your mind.

WikiHow

Provided you let them speak.

The New York Times

So first, let me speak".

The New York Times

Let all speak.

The Guardian

"Let us speak!

The Washington Post

"Let me speak.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When aiming for correct grammar, use "let's speak" to suggest a conversation, or "let [someone] speak" to grant permission. Be mindful of context to ensure clarity.

Common error

Avoid using the phrase "let speak" as it is grammatically incorrect. Instead, use the contraction "let's speak" to indicate a suggestion for a conversation, or "let [someone] speak" to grant permission to someone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "let speak" is grammatically questionable. Correct usage would be "let's speak", a contraction of "let us speak", functioning as an invitation to converse. Ludwig AI notes that the phrase is not a valid expression.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Wiki

33%

Academia

33%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "let speak" is generally considered grammatically incorrect. The intended meaning is usually better conveyed by using "let's speak" (a suggestion for a conversation) or "let [someone] speak" (granting permission). Ludwig AI highlights this grammatical issue, and while the phrase does appear in some contexts, it's not standard English. When you mean "let us speak", remember to use the contraction "let's speak".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

let them talk

Changes the verb to "talk", implying a more casual or conversational context.

allow to speak

Replaces "let" with "allow", making the phrase more formal.

permit to speak

Uses "permit" instead of "let", resulting in a more formal and authoritative tone.

give the floor

This idiom gives someone the opportunity to speak, often in a formal setting.

let us talk

Suggests a collaborative conversation rather than granting permission to speak.

give a voice to

Emphasizes providing a platform for expression, often for marginalized groups.

allow to address

Refers to allowing someone to formally address an audience or issue.

authorize to speak

Implies official approval or delegation of speaking authority.

enable to speak

Focuses on providing the means or opportunity for someone to speak.

let's converse

Suggests a mutual exchange of ideas in a friendly manner.

FAQs

How to properly use "let" with another verb?

When using "let" followed by another verb, ensure the correct structure: "let [someone] speak" grants permission, while "let's speak" ("let's speak") suggests a conversation.

What is the difference between "let speak" and "let's speak"?

"Let speak" is grammatically incorrect. "Let's speak" ("let's speak") is the correct contraction of "let us speak", used to propose a conversation.

Can "allow" or "permit" replace "let" when granting permission to speak?

Yes, "allow" and "permit" can replace "let" to grant someone permission to speak, often adding a more formal tone. For example, "allow them to speak" or "permit him to address" are grammatically sound alternatives.

What are some alternatives to "let's speak" for starting a conversation?

Instead of "let's speak" ("let's speak"), consider alternatives like "shall we talk?", "why don't we discuss?", or "let's have a conversation" for initiating dialogue.