let them play

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "let them play" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to express permission or encouragement for someone to engage in play or an activity. Example: "After finishing their homework, I told the kids to let them play outside for a while."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I let them play".

The New York Times

Let them play.

The New York Times - Sports

"Let them play," Starsia said.

The New York Times

"Let them play the game.

The New York Times - Sports

"I got to let them play.

The New York Times

So let them play outside during recess.

Cornell University

We let them play with the blocks.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Hell, we simply let them play.

The Guardian - Sport

And then he let them play, loudly.

The New York Times - Arts

"Let them play in the fields".

The New York Times

But Ireland did not let them play.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "let them play", consider the context and whether a more formal alternative like "allow them to play" is more appropriate.

Common error

While "let them play" is generally acceptable, it's important to remember that 'let' can sometimes sound informal. In professional or academic writing, consider using a more formal alternative such as "allow" or "permit" to maintain a higher level of formality.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "let them play" functions as an imperative, issuing a command or instruction. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's used to grant permission or encourage participation in an activity. The examples showcase its directive nature across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Wiki

25%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Science

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "let them play" is a common and generally correct imperative phrase used to grant permission or encourage participation. As indicated by Ludwig AI, it's grammatically sound and widely applicable. While its register leans towards informal to neutral, formal settings might sometimes warrant alternatives like "allow them to play". Its frequent appearance in news, media, and general-knowledge contexts underscores its versatility and broad understanding. When writing, always remember that while it is correct and usable in written English, you can use it when you want to express permission or encouragement for someone to engage in play or an activity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

allow them to play

Uses a more formal verb, "allow", to convey permission.

permit them to play

Employs "permit", another formal synonym for "let", indicating authorization.

give them freedom to play

Focuses on granting freedom as the means to enable play.

do not restrict their play

Emphasizes the absence of restrictions rather than explicit permission.

give them license to play

Uses "license" metaphorically to suggest broad permission.

enable them to play

Highlights the act of making it possible for them to engage in play.

encourage their play

Shifts the focus to actively promoting play.

support their playing

Suggests providing assistance or resources to facilitate play.

facilitate their play

Focuses on making the conditions right for play to occur.

leave them to their play

Suggests a hands-off approach, allowing play without interference.

FAQs

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

You can use "let them play" to express permission or encouragement for someone to engage in an activity. For example, "After finishing their homework, I told them to "let them play" outside for a while."

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

You can use alternatives like "allow them to play", "permit them to play", or "give them freedom to play" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "let them play" or "allow them to play"?

Both ""let them play"" and "allow them to play" are grammatically correct. "Allow" is generally considered more formal than "let."

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

"Let them play" is appropriate in informal contexts, while more formal settings may benefit from alternatives like "allow them to play" to maintain a professional tone.