to let

USAGE SUMMARY

"to let" is correct and usable in written English.
It is a verb phrase that means "to allow". For example, "My parents refused to let me stay out late".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

To let go.

The New Yorker

To let the A.C.L.U.

The New Yorker

To let you know".

The New Yorker

Try to let it go.

The New York Times

You have to let go.

The New York Times - Arts

It's hard to let go".

Independent

"It's good to let go.

The New York Times

Atherton struggled to let go.

Independent

You need to let go.

The New Yorker

It's time to let go.

Independent

— to let loose.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "to let" in your writing, ensure that the following verb is in the bare infinitive form (without "to"). For example: "Let me know" is correct, while "Let me to know" is incorrect.

Common error

A common mistake is including "to" before the verb that follows "to let". Always use the base form of the verb after "to let". For example, avoid saying "to let to go" and instead use "to let go".

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of the infinitive phrase "to let" is as a verb phrase, typically serving as part of a larger verb construction. It is used to indicate permission or allowance.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Wiki

28%

Academia

11%

Less common in

Science

6%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the infinitive phrase "to let" is a versatile and grammatically sound construction used to convey permission or allowance. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is correct and widely applicable. The phrase appears most frequently in News & Media contexts and its core function remains consistent: enabling or permitting an action. A key writing tip is to avoid adding "to" before the subsequent verb (e.g., "to let go", not "to let to go"). By understanding its function and avoiding common errors, you can effectively use "to let" in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to allow

This alternative directly substitutes "let" with its synonym, emphasizing permission or authorization.

to permit

Similar to "to allow", but often implies a more formal or official authorization.

to enable

Focuses on providing the means or opportunity for something to happen.

to authorize

Suggests giving official approval or sanction.

to give permission

A more explicit and formal way of expressing the act of allowing something.

to grant

Implies bestowing something, such as a right or privilege.

to empower

Conveys giving someone the power or authority to do something.

to license

Specifically refers to granting a formal license or permit.

to suffer

An older or more formal way to say let, often implying reluctantly permitting

to tolerate

Suggests allowing something despite not necessarily approving of it.

FAQs

How to use "to let" in a sentence?

Use "to let" followed by a pronoun or noun and then the base form of a verb. For example, "I asked her "to let me drive"" or "They decided "to let the contract expire"".

What can I say instead of "to let"?

You can use alternatives like "to allow", "to permit", or "to enable" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "to let to go"?

No, it is not correct. The correct form is "to let go". The verb following "to let" should be in the bare infinitive (without "to").

What's the difference between "to let" and "to allow"?

While "to let" and "to allow" are often interchangeable, "to allow" can sometimes imply a more formal or official permission than "to let". For example, "My parents let me go to the party" vs. "The school allowed students to leave early."