let them decide

USAGE SUMMARY

"let them decide" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It is typically used in the imperative form, to give someone else the power or authority to make a decision. Example: "I'm torn between the two options, so I think I'll just let them decide which one we should go with."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

I'll let them decide.

The New York Times

Let them decide for themselves.

The New Yorker

"Better to let them decide".

The New York Times

If you're horrible, let them decide without you.

The New York Times - Magazine

Why don't we let them decide this one?

The New York Times

Give them the facts and pictures and let them decide.

The New York Times

And then let them decide how to interpret it".

The New York Times - Magazine

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

4 human-written examples

They may not need for you to stay until every last item is unpacked--let them decide.

HuffPost

Let them decide how they are going to get out of that.

BBC

We let them decide and design the operations and we follow up and give them the support they need.

BBC

Perhaps we should let them decide if they want to go to school, too?

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "let them decide", ensure that the individuals have the necessary information and resources to make an informed choice. Avoid using the phrase when the consequences of the decision are severe or irreversible.

Common error

Avoid using "let them decide" as a way to abdicate responsibility in situations where clear guidance or expertise is needed. Ensure you are not creating a situation where individuals feel pressured or ill-equipped to make a decision.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "let them decide" functions as an imperative, directly instructing or suggesting that someone permit a group to make a choice. It's a common way to delegate authority, as shown in Ludwig examples where decision-making power is granted to others.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

46%

Wiki

24%

Science

14%

Less common in

Formal & Business

12%

Academia

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "let them decide" is a very common and grammatically correct imperative phrase used to grant decision-making authority. Ludwig AI confirms its widespread usage. It appears most frequently in News & Media, Wiki, Science and Formal & Business contexts, reflecting its versatility. While it's essential to provide the necessary information for informed decisions, overusing the phrase can signify abdication of responsibility. Alternatives such as ""allow them to choose"" or ""give them the option"" can add nuance depending on the situation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

allow them to choose

Replaces "decide" with "choose", emphasizing the act of selection.

give them the option

Focuses on providing a choice rather than a direct decision.

leave it up to them

More informal, indicating a relinquishing of responsibility.

empower them to decide

Highlights the act of granting power or authority.

defer to their judgment

Suggests respect for their opinion and expertise.

permit them to determine

More formal alternative to "let them decide."

authorize their decision

Emphasizes the official approval of their choice.

enable them to make the call

Replaces the word "decide" with "make the call" suggesting an important decision.

cede the decision to them

Emphasizes the act of yielding or surrendering the decision-making power.

it's their call

A very casual and colloquial way of saying "let them decide".

FAQs

How do I use "let them decide" in a sentence?

You can use "let them decide" to indicate that you are giving someone the power to make a choice. For example, "I've presented all the options; now, I'll "let them decide" which one to pursue."

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

You can use alternatives like "allow them to choose", "give them the option", or "leave it up to them" depending on the context.

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

It's appropriate when you want to empower others to make a decision, especially when they have the relevant information or expertise. However, avoid using it when clear guidance or responsibility is required from your side.

What's the difference between "let them decide" and "make the decision for them"?

"Let them decide" grants autonomy and empowers individuals to choose, while "make the decision for them" involves taking control and dictating the outcome. The former promotes independence, while the latter may be necessary in certain situations where individuals lack the capacity to decide.