let them be

USAGE SUMMARY

"let them be" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you wish to express permission, allowance, or hope for something to remain as it is. For example: "I know they want to get involved, but let them be. They have their own lives to live."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Let them be boys".

The New York Times - Sports

"I'd let them be.

Independent

Let them be your guide.

The New York Times

So let them be recycled.

The Economist

We let them be.

The Guardian - Opinion

Let them be flexible.

The New York Times

Let them be ruined?

The Guardian - Travel

"Just let them be".

The New York Times

Drummond let them be.

The New Yorker

● Let them be the experts.

The Washington Post

And please let them be cute.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "let them be" to express a decision to allow someone or something to continue in their current state without interference. This can be used to suggest acceptance, permission, or simply a hands-off approach.

Common error

Avoid using "let them be" when you actually intend to actively help or change something. "Let" implies allowing something to remain as it is, not initiating change.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "let them be" functions as an imperative, expressing a command or suggestion to allow someone or something to remain in their current state without interference. Ludwig provides examples of this usage across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "let them be" is a grammatically sound and commonly used imperative phrase that expresses permission or a decision not to interfere. Ludwig's analysis confirms its prevalence in news and media, indicating a neutral register. The phrase is effective when you want to communicate acceptance, non-intervention, or a hands-off approach. Consider alternatives like "allow it to happen" or "leave them alone" for slight variations in emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

leave them alone

Emphasizes non-interference, especially in a potentially troublesome situation.

allow it to happen

Focuses on permitting an event or action, without necessarily emphasizing a state of being.

allow them to exist

Focuses on the permission for someone or something to continue to exist.

permit it

A direct and concise way of granting permission for something.

just let it happen

Suggests acceptance and non-resistance to an inevitable or unfolding event.

give them space

Suggests allowing physical or emotional distance.

don't interfere

Directly advises against intervening in a situation.

grant them freedom

Emphasizes the granting of liberty or autonomy.

let it stand

Indicates acceptance of a decision or situation as it is.

tolerate it

Implies acceptance of something unpleasant or undesirable.

FAQs

How can I use "let them be" in a sentence?

You can use "let them be" to express a desire for someone or something to remain in its current state, undisturbed. For example, "The mustangs should never have been corralled in the first place. Let them go, and "let them be"."

What does "let them be" mean?

"Let them be" means to allow someone or something to remain in their current state without interference. It implies acceptance or a decision not to intervene.

What are some alternatives to saying "let them be"?

You can use alternatives such as "allow it to happen", "leave them alone", or "permit it" depending on the context.

Is it grammatically correct to say "let them be"?

Yes, "let them be" is grammatically correct. It follows the standard structure of an imperative sentence using "let" to express permission or allowance.