let up

USAGE SUMMARY

"let up" is a common phrase used in written English.
It is used to express a wish that something will gain in intensity or become less intense. For example, "I hope the rain will let up soon so we can go outside."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

"Don't let up on him".

The New Yorker

"We've let up some pressures.

The New York Times - Sports

We will not let up".

The New York Times

We didn't let up today.

The New York Times - Sports

"It never really let up.

The New York Times - Sports

"Don't let up, my friends!

The New York Times

We must not let up".

The New York Times

That hasn't let up".

The New York Times - Sports

The rain had let up by then.

The New Yorker

JPMorgan has not let up, either.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

There's no let-up.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "let up" to describe a reduction in intensity, pressure, or effort. For instance, "The rain didn't let up all day."

Common error

Avoid using "let up" when you mean to encourage someone to continue. "Don't let up" means to maintain effort, not to stop.

Linguistic Context

The phrasal verb "let up" primarily functions as an intransitive verb, describing a reduction or cessation of something, whether it be intensity, pressure, or effort. Ludwig's examples show its usage in contexts ranging from weather to persistent effort. According to Ludwig AI, it is a common phrase in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Wiki

14%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Academia

4%

Science

4%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrasal verb "let up" is a common and versatile phrase used to describe a decrease in intensity, pressure, or effort. As noted by Ludwig AI, it’s a frequent term in written English. It's grammatically correct and widely used in news, media, and informal contexts. Remembering that "don't let up" means to maintain effort, not cease it, is crucial to using the phrase correctly. Alternatives like "subside" or "ease off" can be used depending on the specific context. Understanding its function, purpose, and register ensures effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

ease off

This alternative indicates a reduction in pressure or intensity of something.

slacken

This alternative suggests to become slower or less active.

subside

This alternative refers to a gradual decrease in intensity, especially of something overwhelming.

abate

This alternative refers to the reduction in intensity or degree.

die down

This alternative suggests a gradual decline in activity or intensity.

diminish

This alternative indicates becoming smaller or less.

decline

This alternative indicates a gradual and continuous decrease in value, quantity, intensity, or power.

wane

This alternative means to decrease in vigor, power, or extent.

recede

This alternative means to go or move back or further away from a previous position.

give way

This alternative indicates ceasing resistance; yielding.

FAQs

How can I use "let up" in a sentence?

You can use "let up" to describe a decrease in intensity or effort, such as "The pressure will not "let up" until the project is complete" or "I hope the storm "will subside" soon".

What does "don't let up" mean?

"Don't let up" means to continue with the same effort and intensity, not to stop or decrease effort. It's a command to persist, similar to saying "keep going" or "don't give up".

Which is correct, "let up" or "let down"?

Both phrases are correct, but they have different meanings. "Let up" means to decrease in intensity or effort, while "let down" means to disappoint someone. Choose the phrase that fits the context.

What can I say instead of "let up"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "subside", "ease off", or "abate" to express a decrease in intensity or effort.