letting them be

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "letting them be" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the idea of allowing someone or something to exist or function without interference. Example: "Sometimes the best approach is simply letting them be and allowing them to find their own way."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"I am letting them be trees again," he said.

The New York Times

You're letting them be controlling because you love them".

The New York Times

"Now all their energy is concentrated on not letting them be involved with terrorism".

The New York Times

But second half, I thought we did such a good job of not letting them be comfortable".

The New York Times - Sports

A vegetable sandwich is not about privation: it is about getting vegetables together and letting them be themselves.

The New York Times - Food

Sachar is kind to his characters, but in a way that involves letting them be extremely rude to one another.

The New Yorker

And why is it so cheerfully accepted that the EU should have common welfare and employment policies, rather than letting them be settled by national preferences, democratically expressed?

The Economist

The paintings appear remarkably little the worse for their ordeal, and the experts in Ghent have opted to recommend letting them be, for now.

The New Yorker

We believe in their continuing existence off the page because Bennett is so expert at letting them be themselves while on it.

The New York Times - Books

Forcing troops to lie about who they were turns out to have been a far greater stress on the armed forces than letting them be honest.

The New Yorker

For them, taking that away in homosexuality is akin to taking their weapons away and letting them be overrun by this rival faith.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "letting them be" to encourage autonomy and natural development in your writing. This phrase is particularly effective when advocating for non-interference and allowing individuals or situations to unfold organically.

Common error

While versatile, "letting them be" can sound too informal in highly professional or academic settings. Opt for alternatives like "allowing them to exist" or "permitting their autonomy" to maintain a more elevated tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "letting them be" primarily functions as a gerund phrase, often serving as the subject or object of a sentence or clause. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and frequent use in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Wiki

10%

Science

9%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "letting them be" is a versatile and grammatically sound expression used to convey the idea of allowing something or someone to exist or act without interference. As Ludwig AI confirms, it appears frequently across various contexts, including news, general discussions, and even academic writing. Although "letting them be" maintains a more neutral register than some formal alternatives, such as "allowing them to be" or "permitting them to be", it effectively communicates the message of autonomy, tolerance, and non-intervention.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

allowing them to be

Replaces "letting" with "allowing", a more formal synonym, without significantly altering the meaning.

permitting them to be

Substitutes "letting" with "permitting", further emphasizing a formal allowance or authorization.

allowing them existence

Focuses on the act of allowing existence rather than a state of being, which shifts the focus slightly.

giving them freedom to be

Emphasizes the aspect of freedom and autonomy granted.

not interfering with them

Highlights the lack of intervention rather than the allowance of being.

leaving them alone

Stresses non-interference to the point of isolation, potentially changing the tone.

refraining from controlling them

Directly addresses the absence of control, making it more specific than the original.

accepting them as they are

Implies an acceptance of a current state, adding an element of approval or resignation.

tolerating their presence

Suggests a reluctant acceptance, differing from the more neutral tone of "letting them be".

allowing their natural course

Focuses on a natural progression without intervention.

FAQs

How can I use "letting them be" in a sentence?

"Letting them be" is used to describe allowing someone or something to exist or act without interference. For instance, "The best way to support their growth is by "letting them be" themselves."

What are some alternatives to "letting them be"?

Alternatives include "allowing them to be", "permitting them to be", or simply "leaving them alone" depending on the specific context and desired nuance.

Is "letting them be" grammatically correct?

Yes, "letting them be" is grammatically correct. "Letting" functions as a gerund, and it's perfectly acceptable to use it in various sentence structures.

What's the difference between "letting them be" and "helping them be"?

"Letting them be" implies non-interference and allowing natural development. In contrast, "helping them be" suggests active assistance or intervention to support their development or state. The former is passive, while the latter is active.