letting go

USAGE SUMMARY

"letting go" is a grammatically correct phrase and can be used in written English.
It is used to refer to the act of releasing or relinquishing control, possession, or attachment to something or someone. It can also convey the idea of moving on or accepting a situation. Example: After years of holding onto resentment, Sarah finally found peace by letting go of her anger towards her ex-husband.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

3. Letting go of worry.

The New York Times

2. Letting go of outcomes.

The New York Times

"He was letting go.

The New York Times - Sports

Letting go is hard.

The Guardian - Opinion

Letting go of it is a milestone.

Independent

We are not letting go.

The New Yorker

And he wasn't letting go.

The Guardian

But he's not letting go.

The Guardian - Books

And this time, he's not letting go.

The New York Times

"It was hard letting go," he added.

The New York Times

Doctors, too, often have trouble letting go.

The New York Times - Health

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "letting go" to describe a conscious decision to relinquish control or attachment, particularly when emotional well-being is involved.

Common error

Avoid using "letting go" as a justification for ignoring responsibilities or problems. True "letting go" involves acceptance and moving forward, not simply avoiding difficult situations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "letting go" functions as a gerund phrase, often acting as a noun. As Ludwig AI confirms, it denotes the action of releasing or relinquishing something. Examples in Ludwig show it used as a subject, object, or part of a prepositional phrase.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

57%

Science

20%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

5%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "letting go" is a versatile gerund phrase used to describe the act of releasing control, accepting change, or moving on. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and widely used. It appears most frequently in News & Media sources but also has a significant presence in Scientific and Wiki contexts. While generally neutral in register, it's crucial to avoid confusing it with simply avoiding responsibility. Instead, focus on using "letting go" to describe a conscious and intentional process of acceptance and detachment for emotional well-being.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

releasing control

Specifically highlights the act of giving up authority or dominance over a situation or person.

releasing attachment

Specifically addresses the detachment from emotional connections or dependencies.

releasing

Focuses on the act of freeing or liberating something, similar to relinquishing control.

freeing oneself

Focuses on liberating oneself from burdens, obligations, or negative influences.

relinquishing

Emphasizes the act of giving up or surrendering something, often with a sense of finality.

detaching

Emphasizes the act of separating oneself from something, often emotionally or mentally.

moving on

Focuses on the progression forward after a loss or difficult situation.

accepting change

Highlights the act of embracing new circumstances or situations.

making peace with

Focuses on achieving a sense of reconciliation and acceptance regarding something that has happened.

coming to terms with

Highlights the acceptance and understanding of a difficult situation or reality.

FAQs

How can I use "letting go" in a sentence?

You can use "letting go" to describe releasing control, as in: "Letting go of the past is essential for future happiness."

What are some alternatives to "letting go"?

Alternatives include "releasing control", "moving on", or "accepting change", depending on the specific context.

Is it always beneficial to practice "letting go"?

While generally beneficial, "letting go" should not be used as an excuse to avoid responsibility or necessary action. It's about accepting what you cannot control, not ignoring what you can influence.

What's the difference between "letting go" and "giving up"?

"Letting go" implies acceptance and peace, while "giving up" often suggests defeat or failure. Letting go is about releasing attachment to an outcome, whereas giving up is ceasing effort.