let stand for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "let stand for" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when you want to indicate that something represents or symbolizes something else. Example: "In this equation, the variable 'x' will let stand for the unknown value we need to solve."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Let stand for 15 minutes.

The New York Times

Cover and let stand for 5 minutes.

The New York Times

Let stand for 1 minute.

The New York Times

Let stand for 5 days.

The New York Times - Food

Let stand for 10 minutes.

The New York Times - Magazine

Let stand for one hour.

The New York Times - Food

Let stand for a few minutes.

The New York Times - Health

Cover and let stand for 20 minutes.

The New York Times - Food

Let stand for about 45 minutes.

The New York Times - Food

Let stand for five to ten minutes until creamy.

The New York Times

Add the lemon juice, and let stand for 10 minutes.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In creative writing, use "let stand for" to imbue objects or characters with symbolic meaning, enriching the narrative.

Common error

While grammatically sound, "let stand for" can sound overly formal in casual conversation. Opt for simpler alternatives like "represents" or "means" for a more natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrasal verb "let stand for" primarily functions as a declarative expression, used to assign a specific meaning or representation to a symbol, term, or variable. As Ludwig examples demonstrate, it is frequently employed in contexts where clarity and definition are paramount.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

34%

News & Media

34%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Reference

5%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrasal verb "let stand for" serves to designate a symbol or term to represent a specific concept, value, or entity. Ludwig AI confirms the grammatical correctness and frequent use of the phrase across varied contexts, from academic and scientific writing to news articles and general reference guides. While "let stand for" is widely accepted, it can sometimes sound overly formal in casual settings. Therefore, simpler alternatives such as "represent" or "symbolize" may be more suitable. By understanding the nuanced usage of "let stand for", writers can ensure clarity and precision in their communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

represent

Directly indicates that something symbolizes or corresponds to something else.

symbolize

Emphasizes the symbolic nature of the representation.

denote

Suggests a more formal and precise representation.

signify

Highlights the meaning or significance being conveyed.

indicate

Implies pointing out or showing something.

be a symbol of

Specifies that something serves as a symbolic representation.

correspond to

Focuses on the relationship or match between two things.

be equivalent to

Indicates that two things have the same value or meaning.

equate to

Suggests a direct comparison or identification.

identify as

Implies a formal association or classification.

FAQs

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

Use "let stand for" to indicate that a symbol, variable, or concept represents something else, as in, "In this equation, 'x' will "let stand for" the unknown value." The phrase introduces a definition or symbolic representation.

What are some alternatives to "let stand for"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "represent", "symbolize", or "denote" in place of "let stand for".

Is it better to say "let stand for" or "represents"?

While both phrases can be used to indicate representation, "let stand for" is often used to introduce a definition or convention, particularly in technical or mathematical contexts. "Represents" is a more general term and can be used in a wider range of situations.

What's the difference between "let stand for" and "is defined as"?

"Let stand for" is used to assign a symbol or variable to represent something. "Is defined as" is used to provide a formal definition of a term or concept. They are similar, but "is defined as" carries a more formal and definitive connotation.