let us be

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "let us be" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to suggest a state of acceptance or to propose that people should allow things to be as they are. Example: "In times of uncertainty, sometimes it is best to let us be and accept the situation."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Let us be truthful.

The Economist

Let us be clear.

The Guardian - Opinion

Let us be friends".

The New Yorker

Let us be frank.

University of California, Berkeley

Let us be fearless.

Stanford University

Let us be self-determining.

The Guardian

But let us be charitable.

The New York Times - Sports

Let us be your guide".

The New York Times

Osborne: "Let us be resolved.

Independent

Let us be grateful.

The New York Times

Let us be honest.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "let us be", consider the context to ensure it aligns with your intended meaning, whether it's a call for acceptance, a plea for non-interference, or an expression of hope.

Common error

Avoid using "let us be" when a more direct or specific phrase would better convey your message. Ensure the context doesn't lead to ambiguity about whether you're asking for acceptance, suggesting a course of action, or expressing a wish.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "let us be" functions as a directive or a suggestion, often used to encourage a certain attitude, state, or course of action. According to Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct and suggests acceptance.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Academia

25%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "let us be" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression that serves as a directive or suggestion. According to Ludwig, it is often used to encourage acceptance or propose a shared mindset. While versatile, its formality should be considered based on the context. Key contexts for its usage include news media and academic discourse, highlighting its relevance in both formal and informal communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

just let us be

Adds emphasis to the desire for non-interference or simply being left alone.

allow us to exist

Replaces "let" with "allow" emphasizing permission or acceptance of existence.

permit us to be

Similar to 'allow', but with a more formal tone, emphasizing consent or authorization.

may we be

Expresses a wish or hope for a particular state of being.

enable us to become

Focuses on empowering or facilitating a transformation or state of being.

help us to be

Emphasizes assistance in achieving a certain state or condition.

encourage us to be

Highlights the act of inspiring or motivating towards a specific behavior or identity.

support our being

Focuses on providing aid or resources to maintain a current state of existence or identity.

accept us as we are

Stresses the importance of unconditional acceptance and understanding.

if we could be

Suggests a hypothetical or conditional state of existence or identity.

FAQs

How can I use "let us be" in a sentence?

"Let us be" can be used to express a desire for acceptance, non-interference, or a state of being. For example, "Let us be honest" or "Let us be friends".

What are some alternatives to "let us be"?

Alternatives include "allow us to be", "permit us to be", or "enable us to become", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "let us be" in writing?

It's appropriate when you want to suggest a course of action, request acceptance, or express a wish for a certain state. Consider the formality of the context when choosing this phrase.

Is "let us be" formal or informal?

The formality of "let us be" depends on the context. It can be used in both formal and informal settings, but more formal alternatives like "permit us to be" might be preferable in certain situations.