let them paint

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "let them paint" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when giving permission or encouragement for someone to engage in painting, whether literally or metaphorically. Example: "If they want to express their creativity, just let them paint."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

Let them paint there".

The New York Times

He even let them paint blood on themselves, and they really went to town.

The Guardian - Film

What both artists admired and valued in Shchukin was his willingness to let them paint the way they wanted, his courage in supporting their ventures into new, sometimes forbidding territory.

The New York Times - Books

Let them paint on the walls in the bathtub.

Huffington Post

Let them paint those beautiful buildings and pave their roads and buy a few new cars.

Huffington Post

So, with every negative new story or negative economic outlook, because we have such opinionated media outlets, we let them paint our opinions for us.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

Conservatives also like this story because it lets them paint Democrats as extremists.

Vice

Right now, I'm experimenting with vacuum robots and I am turning them into little Bob Ross bots by letting them paint with their cleaning brushes.

Vice

You can even get them really involved by letting them paint their own knobs!

WikiHow

We've had mountain climbers climbing mountains, we've had artists who have dementia who have had to give up their life's work, and we let them draw, paint and sculpt in VR.

Forbes

You could have a feature wall - usually the wall your bed is against - which you paint a different color and put up special photos, etc. Make sure you have permission from your parents for everything you do, and let them help you paint the walls, move furniture, and anything else.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "let them paint", consider the context and the level of formality required. In casual settings, it's perfectly acceptable. In more formal situations, "allow them to paint" might be more appropriate.

Common error

Avoid assuming "let" implies lack of control. "Let them paint" suggests granting permission, not necessarily a hands-off approach. You can still guide or supervise the activity while "letting them paint".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "let them paint" functions as an imperative, giving permission or encouragement to a group to engage in painting. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Wiki

35%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Science

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "let them paint" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression that serves to grant permission or encourage participation in the act of painting. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is appropriate for general use. While generally informal, its versatility allows it to appear across various contexts, including news, wikis, and business communications. Consider the nuances of formality when selecting between "let them paint" and alternatives like "allow them to paint". When promoting creativity, remember that giving someone the freedom to express themselves through art can be powerful.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

allow them to paint

A more formal alternative using "allow" instead of "let".

they have permission to paint

Explicitly states that permission has been granted.

permit them to paint

A very formal alternative, less common in everyday speech.

enable them to paint

Focuses on providing the means or opportunity to paint.

authorize them to paint

Suggests official or formal approval for painting.

encourage them to paint

Shifts the focus to inspiring or motivating them.

give them leave to paint

An archaic and highly formal alternative.

tell them to paint

A direct command or instruction to paint.

have them paint

A less direct way of instructing or suggesting painting.

it's okay for them to paint

Expresses acceptance or lack of objection to their painting.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "let them paint" for a formal context?

In a formal context, you can use phrases such as "allow them to paint" or "grant them permission to paint". These alternatives offer a more professional tone compared to the more casual "let them paint".

Is "let them paint" grammatically correct?

Yes, "let them paint" is grammatically correct. "Let" is used here as a verb meaning to allow or permit, followed by the object "them" and the infinitive "paint".

What does "let them paint" imply?

"Let them paint" implies giving permission or encouragement for someone to engage in painting. It suggests an allowance or lack of restriction on their activity.

What's the difference between "let them paint" and "make them paint"?

"Let them paint" indicates permission or allowance, while "make them paint" implies coercion or forcing someone to paint against their will. The former suggests freedom of choice, and the latter suggests a lack of choice.