let us say

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'let us say' is correct and can be used in written English.
It is typically used to introduce a hypothetical example or to express doubt or uncertainty about something. For example: "Let us say that the price of oil doubles by the end of the year; how would that affect our business?".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

let us say..

The New York Times

Let us say it together.

The Guardian

Let us say that you have a Loud Uncle Dave.

Independent

Let us say that novelists are like unannounced visitors.

The New York Times - Books

Let us say they were Tuesdays and Thursdays.

The New Yorker

Let us say that yields had stayed low.

The Economist

What kind of society doesn't let us say these things?

The New York Times

Or, let us say, he does not dramatize his ambivalence.

The New York Times - Books

Let us say the rebellion maintains its widespread support.

The Guardian

It could have been, let us say, more humane".

The New York Times

My mum is a dinosaur, let us say.

The Guardian - Tech

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "let us say" to introduce a scenario that helps to clarify a complex idea or argument. It provides a way to explore possibilities without committing to a definitive claim.

Common error

Avoid using "let us say" repeatedly in formal documents or academic papers. Overuse can make your writing sound less confident and more speculative. Use stronger, more direct statements when appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "let us say" serves as an introductory element in a sentence, specifically functioning to introduce a hypothetical scenario, example, or assumption. Ludwig examples show it in a variety of contexts, confirming this function. As Ludwig AI states, this phrase sets up a conditional or illustrative point.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

46%

Science

32%

Encyclopedias

6%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "let us say" is a versatile introductory phrase used to introduce hypothetical scenarios or examples. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and commonly used. While it is acceptable across various contexts, including news and media, more formal settings might benefit from stronger, more direct alternatives. The usage analysis reveals its prominence in news, science, and encyclopedia contexts, with sources like The New York Times and The Guardian frequently employing it. Overall, "let us say" serves as a valuable tool for clarifying ideas and arguments by framing them within a hypothetical context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

if we consider

Suggests a specific scenario for consideration.

suppose we assume

Uses 'suppose' and 'assume' to introduce a hypothetical scenario, differing in the level of formality.

imagine that we

Invites the listener or reader to envision a particular situation.

let's posit

Presents a statement as a hypothesis or starting point for reasoning.

assuming hypothetically

Emphasizes the hypothetical nature of the assumption.

for argument's sake

Introduces a point made for the sake of argument, implying a hypothetical situation.

just for example

Emphasizes the use of an example for illustrative purposes only.

for instance

Provides a specific example to support a statement.

by way of example

Offers an example to clarify a concept.

to illustrate this point

Indicates the introduction of an example.

FAQs

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

"Let us say" is typically used to introduce a hypothetical example or situation. For instance, "Let us say you are planning a trip; you would need to consider the costs."

What are some alternatives to "let us say"?

You can use phrases like "suppose that", "for example", or "imagine if" to introduce a hypothetical situation or example.

Is it appropriate to use "let us say" in formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "let us say" might be perceived as informal in certain contexts. Consider using more formal alternatives like "consider the case where" or "for the sake of argument" in academic or professional settings.

What's the difference between "let us say" and "let's say"?

"Let us say" and "let's say" are essentially interchangeable, with "let's say" being a more common and contracted form of the phrase. The choice between them often depends on the desired level of formality, with "let us say" perceived as slightly more formal.