let them see

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "let them see" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to allow or encourage someone to observe or understand something. Example: "I want to let them see the progress we've made on the project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

Let Them See Movies!

HuffPost

"Never let them see you sweat".

The New York Times

I can't let them see me cry".

The New Yorker

And online, you can let them see sounds or let them see videos.

The New York Times

Don't let them see you sweat, either.

Harvard Business Review

I couldn't let them see my despair.

The New York Times

Not let them see the races?

The Guardian - Sport

I couldn't let them see this.

The Guardian - Opinion

"Never let them see you sweat," runs the maxim.

The New York Times

"Don't ever let them see you angry," Nicholson said.

The New York Times - Sports

It is unclear what Uzbek handlers will let them see.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "let them see" when you want to emphasize the act of allowing someone to perceive or understand something directly. This phrase is effective in conveying openness and transparency.

Common error

While "let them see" is generally acceptable, avoid overusing it in highly formal writing. Opt for more sophisticated alternatives like "allow them to view" or "permit them to observe" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "let them see" functions as an imperative, directing or encouraging someone to observe or understand something. Examples from Ludwig show it used to grant permission or offer an opportunity for observation.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Wiki

38%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "let them see" functions as an imperative phrase used to encourage direct observation or understanding. Ludwig AI identifies it as grammatically correct and very common, particularly in News & Media and Wiki contexts. While generally neutral in tone, it's advisable to use more formal alternatives in academic or highly professional settings. The phrase is valuable for promoting transparency and fostering comprehension through direct visual or experiential engagement.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

allow them to view

Replaces "see" with the more formal "view", implying a deliberate act of showing something.

enable them to witness

Emphasizes the act of being present at an event; more formal.

permit them to observe

Highlights the act of careful watching and understanding; more formal.

give them a glimpse

Suggests a brief or incomplete view.

show them

A simpler, more direct alternative.

reveal it to them

Implies uncovering something previously hidden.

unveil it to them

More dramatic way to say "reveal it to them".

offer them insight

Focuses on providing understanding rather than just visual access.

expose them to

Suggests a broader introduction to something.

grant them access

Focuses on providing opportunity to see or experience.

FAQs

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

You can use "let them see" to encourage someone to observe or understand something. For example, "I want to "let them see" the progress we've made on the project".

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

You can use alternatives like "allow them to view", "enable them to witness", or "permit them to observe" depending on the context.

Is "let them see" formal or informal?

"Let them see" is generally considered neutral to informal. In formal contexts, it's often better to use phrases like "permit them to observe" or "allow them to view".

What's the difference between "show them" and "let them see"?

"Show them" is a direct command to present something visually. "Let them see" implies permission or opportunity to observe, giving the observer more agency. For example, "Show them the data" vs. "Let them see the data for themselves".