let stand

USAGE SUMMARY

"let stand" is correct and usable in written English.
It is a verb phrase which means to leave something as it is, or to allow something not to be changed or interfered with. Example sentence: "The judge let the decision stand, so the new policy will still be enforced."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Let stand five minutes.

The New York Times

Let stand 20 minutes.

Cornell University

Let stand until cool.

The New York Times - Magazine

Let stand to soften.

The New York Times

Let, stand to soften.

The New York Times

Stir and let stand.

The New York Times - Food

Let stand to cool.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Let stand for 15 minutes.

The New York Times

Let stand until cooking time.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

Let stand 10 minutes before slicing.

Los Angeles Times

Let stand 15 minutes in the microwave.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When providing instructions in a recipe, use "let stand" to indicate the time needed for ingredients to properly meld or for a dish to reach the desired consistency.

Common error

Ensure the context makes it clear what should "let stand". Be specific about the subject and the duration for clarity, especially in instructional writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "let stand" functions primarily as an imperative verb phrase used to give instructions. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is a valid English construction. Examples show its use in recipes, scientific procedures, and general instructions.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

35%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "let stand" is a very common and grammatically correct imperative verb phrase, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. It is primarily used to instruct someone to allow something to remain undisturbed, often in recipes or instructional guides. While versatile, it’s best to ensure clarity regarding the subject and duration. It appears most frequently in News & Media and Wiki contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

preserve as is

Emphasizes the act of keeping something in its original condition.

allow to rest

Focuses on the aspect of allowing something to be inactive.

leave untouched

Highlights the idea of not altering or disturbing something.

refrain from altering

Highlights the act of abstaining from making changes.

set aside

Emphasizes the act of placing something in a separate location for later use.

do not disturb

Highlights the request to not interfere with something.

keep in place

Highlights the intention to maintain the current position or state.

keep constant

Emphasizes the intention to maintain stability.

hold back

Focuses on restraining something from moving forward or changing.

maintain status quo

Highlights the intention to preserve the existing state of affairs.

FAQs

How can I use "let stand" in a sentence?

You can use "let stand" to instruct someone to allow something to remain undisturbed for a period. For example, "Let the dough stand for an hour before baking."

What does "let stand" mean in a recipe?

In cooking, "let stand" means to allow the food to rest undisturbed, typically to allow flavors to meld, temperatures to equalize, or for a process like rising or setting to occur.

What are some alternatives to "let stand"?

Alternatives include "allow to rest", "leave untouched", or "set aside", depending on the specific context.

Is there a difference between "let sit" and "let stand"?

While similar, "let sit" and "let stand" are generally interchangeable. "Let stand" might imply a more deliberate or required resting period, while "let sit" can be slightly more casual, but the distinction is minimal.