let them go

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "let them go" is a perfectly correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use this phrase whenever you are referring to someone or something being released or freed from a given situation or obligation. For example, "After weeks of negotiation, the government finally agreed to let them go free."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

8) Let Them Go to Wireless.

HuffPost

Now, let them go".

The New York Times

Let them go crisp.

The New York Times - Food

Let them go.

Stanford University

And let them go.

The Washington Post

Let them go @channelten.

The Guardian

Never let them go.

The New Yorker

Wouldn't let them go.

The New York Times

Let them go!" people shouted.

The New York Times

We didn't let them go.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

Bringing Them Home then Letting Them Go.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When instructing someone to physically release something, clarify the manner (e.g., "Let them go gently" if handling with care is needed).

Common error

Don't use the phrase if the context implies preventing someone from leaving, as it creates contradictory meaning. For instance, instead of saying "I can't let them go", use "I must hold onto them".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "let them go" functions as a directive, instructing or permitting the release or departure of a subject. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness, supported by numerous examples across diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "let them go" is a grammatically correct and widely used expression to indicate permission, release, or acceptance of departure. As Ludwig AI points out, the phrase is commonly found in News & Media and Academia contexts, functioning as a directive with a neutral register. While alternatives like "allow them to leave" or "release them" exist, "let them go" remains a versatile choice. Avoid using it in situations where physical restraint is necessary to prevent contradictory meaning. With its prevalence in authoritative sources such as The New York Times and The Guardian, "let them go" is a valuable addition to your vocabulary.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

allow them to leave

Emphasizes the act of granting permission for departure.

set them free

Highlights the act of liberation.

release them

Focuses on freeing someone or something from captivity or obligation.

permit their departure

A more formal way of expressing permission to leave.

allow their exit

Formally describes allowing someone to exit.

authorize their release

Emphasizes the official authorization of someone's release.

turn them loose

Suggests a more casual or uncontrolled release.

cease holding them

Highlights the act of stopping the physical or metaphorical holding of someone or something.

give them the green light

Idiomatic expression granting approval for departure or action.

relinquish control of them

Implies giving up power or authority over someone or something.

FAQs

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

"Let them go" is used to express permission, release, or acceptance of someone or something leaving. For example, "The manager decided to "let them go" after the project ended".

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

You can use alternatives like "allow them to leave", "release them", or "set them free" depending on the context.

Is "let them go" grammatically correct?

Yes, "let them go" is grammatically correct. "Let" functions as a causative verb, followed by the pronoun "them" and the infinitive "go".

What does "letting them go" imply?

"Letting them go" typically implies a decision to allow someone to leave a situation, whether it's a job, a relationship, or even life itself. It suggests acceptance or resignation to their departure.