let them air

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "let them air" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to allowing something, such as laundry or ideas, to be exposed to the air for freshness or to be discussed openly. Example: "After washing the clothes, I decided to let them air on the balcony for a few hours."

✓ Grammatically correct

Wiki

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

51 human-written examples

If I've planned ahead, I'll let them air dry, allowing them to sit out for up to an hour.

The New York Times - Food

If they're particularly dirty — maybe after a long day of walking around the city under the hot sun — hang them up in your hotel room and let them air out for a bit before putting them in the bag.

The New York Times - Travel

Shortly afterwards, he acceded to the wishes of the top military officers for a meeting of the National Security Council, a creation of Mr. Pinochet, to let them air their grievances.

The New York Times

Use a shampoo and conditioner free of sulfates and parabens, and blot them with a towel to remove excess water, then let them air dry.

Forbes

We take them off backstage to let them air out, and change the sportswear we put on underneath several times a day, too.

Vice

Next year, give me Matthew Stafford vs. Joe Flacco, let them air out 75-yard passes; line up Chris Johnson vs. Reggie Bush in a race or an obstacle course, and then I'll tune in.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

9 human-written examples

Sleep with the braids and let them air-dry overnight.

WikiHow

If your clothes are just lightly mildewed, the easiest option is to let them air-out.

WikiHow

Do not put your Telics in a dryer; let them air-dry away from direct heat sources.

WikiHow

Instead, let them air-dry at room temperature or slightly higher (like a foot away from a heat register) or use a commercial or home-made dryer.

WikiHow

Dry your dog (towel, blow dryer) If your dog has very short fur or you prefer to let them air-dry, you can skip this step.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In discussions, use "let them air" to encourage open expression of opinions and feelings, fostering a more transparent and understanding environment.

Common error

Avoid mistaking "air" (to ventilate) with "heir" (someone who inherits). Always double-check your spelling, especially in formal writing, to ensure clarity and professionalism.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "let them air" primarily functions as a directive, instructing or suggesting that something or someone should be exposed to air. It can also function as an enabling phrase, granting permission or creating the conditions for something to be aired. As Ludwig AI confirmed, the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Wiki

50%

News & Media

28%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Science

22%

Reference

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "let them air" is a versatile expression used to describe the act of exposing something to air for drying, freshening, or airing out, or metaphorically, to allow thoughts and feelings to be openly expressed. Grammatically correct and very common, its usage spans various contexts, from practical advice in WikiHow articles to more formal reporting in news media. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, the phrase is valid and usable. When using "let them air", consider the specific context to ensure clarity, and avoid common errors like confusing "air" with "heir". Alternatives such as "allow them to ventilate" or "permit them to express" can provide subtle differences in meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

allow them to ventilate

Focuses on the act of providing ventilation, suitable for contexts related to physical spaces or objects.

permit them to express

Emphasizes the allowance of expressing thoughts or feelings, fitting for discussions about opinions or grievances.

enable them to speak openly

Highlights the creation of an environment where open discussion is possible, suitable for sensitive topics.

give them space to breathe

Suggests providing a metaphorical or literal space for relaxation or airing out, applicable to both people and objects.

leave them to dry naturally

Specifically refers to the process of drying without artificial assistance, ideal for practical contexts like laundry or crafting.

allow it to aerate

Focuses on the act of aerating something, suitable for contexts related to food and beverages.

give them an airing

Implies a public discussion or broadcast of something, fitting for news or media contexts.

let it undergo aeration

Suggests a process of aeration, particularly in scientific or technical contexts.

facilitate their exposition

Focuses on creating conditions that allow exposition of points of view.

allow them some fresh air

Emphasizes the action of providing fresh air to something.

FAQs

What does it mean to "let them air" something?

To "let them air" something means to allow it to be exposed to the open air for drying, freshening, or airing out. It can also metaphorically mean to allow thoughts or feelings to be expressed openly.

When is it appropriate to use "let them air"?

It's appropriate when you want to suggest a natural process of drying or freshening something, or when you want to convey the idea of openly expressing thoughts or feelings. For example, "After washing the clothes, I'll "let them air" on the balcony."

What can I say instead of "let them air"?

You can use alternatives like "allow them to ventilate", "permit them to express", or "enable them to speak openly" depending on the specific context.

Which is correct, "let them air" or "let them air out"?

Both phrases are correct, but they have slightly different nuances. "Let them air" implies a simpler exposure to air, while "let them air out" suggests a more thorough removal of stale air or odors. The choice depends on the specific context and desired emphasis.