let them sit

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "let them sit" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to allowing something, such as food or a situation, to remain in a particular state for a period of time. Example: "After baking the cookies, let them sit on the cooling rack for a few minutes before serving."

✓ Grammatically correct

Cooking

Legal

General Instructions

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Let them sit there?

The Guardian - Books

"Never let them sit on your lap".

The New York Times - Books

Steven Jr continues: "If they're guilty, let them sit.

Independent

Let them sit until fully chilled, then peel.

The Guardian

"But they let them sit here for three years.

The New York Times

Drain and let them sit until the steam blows off.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"We didn't let them sit in their pockets.

The New York Times - Sports

Let them sit about 15 minutes to reach room temperature.

The New York Times - Food

We'll let them sit for three weeks and then try to harvest some of the methane!

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Let them sit down together if they really want to solve it".

The New York Times

Turn off the heat, and let them sit covered for 10 minutes.

The New York Times - Health

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When providing cooking instructions, use "let them sit" to indicate allowing food to rest or marinate for optimal flavor and texture development. For example, "After searing the steaks, let them sit for 10 minutes before slicing".

Common error

While "let them sit" is acceptable in many contexts, avoid overuse in formal writing where more precise language might be preferred. Consider alternatives like "allow them to remain" or "permit them to rest" for a more professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "let them sit" functions as an imperative, instructing or advising someone to allow a group of entities (represented by "them") to remain in a certain state or location. Ludwig AI confirms this usage through numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Wiki

33%

News & Media

29%

Science

2%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Academia

1%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "let them sit" is a grammatically sound phrase commonly used to instruct or advise allowing something to remain in a certain state or location. Ludwig AI's analysis confirms its widespread usage across diverse contexts, from cooking and general instructions to legal and abstract scenarios. While generally neutral, its formality can be adjusted with alternative phrases like "allow them to remain" for more formal settings. The phrase is most frequent in Wiki and News & Media sources, reflecting its utility in both instructional guides and journalistic content.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

let them rest

A shorter version focusing on resting.

allow them to remain

Emphasizes permission for a continued state of being.

leave them be

Suggests non-interference, letting something stay undisturbed.

permit them to stay

Formal alternative indicating granted permission to remain.

allow them to settle

Focuses on allowing items to become stable or composed.

give them time to rest

Focuses on providing a period of inactivity or repose.

let them stand

Implies allowing something to remain upright or in a specific position.

keep them still

Emphasizes the avoidance of movement or disturbance.

allow them to incubate

Specifically refers to allowing a process to develop under controlled conditions.

let them soak

Implies allowing the items to be immersed in liquid.

FAQs

How can I use "let them sit" in a recipe?

In cooking, "let them sit" often means allowing food to rest, marinate, or cool. For example, after baking cookies, you might "let them sit" on a cooling rack before serving.

What's a more formal way to say "let them sit"?

In a formal context, consider using phrases like "allow them to remain", "permit them to stay", or "allow them to rest" for a more professional tone.

Is it grammatically correct to use "let them sit"?

Yes, "let them sit" is grammatically correct. It's a common and acceptable phrase used in various contexts.

When should I avoid using "let them sit"?

While generally acceptable, avoid overusing "let them sit" in highly formal or technical writing. In these cases, more precise alternatives may be preferable.