to let oneself

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "to let oneself" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the act of allowing oneself to experience something or to act in a certain way. Example: "Sometimes, it's important to let oneself be vulnerable in order to build deeper connections with others."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

It was so easy to let oneself go.

The New Yorker

The yearning for love is, in part, a desire to become visible as one really is to the Other, though every time one dares to let oneself be seen one risks being seen through.

The New Yorker

I really like to try my hand at everything and I think it's probably dangerous to let oneself be pigeon-holed, not necessarily by other people but in one's own mind.

The Guardian - Books

Far better to let oneself get lost in the jungle in a still largely unexcavated place -- like Palenque in northern Chiapas or Cobá, in the heart of Quintana Roo.

The New York Times - Travel

As she sees it, in the current context in which development trends are going all over the place, a challenge in this field is "not to let oneself get carried away by some project or technology... but to focus on the economical reality".

Science Magazine

In the modern world, to let oneself get stuck like this.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

It is only then that the utopian credo of letting oneself be guided by a regulative, which at least tries to aim at creating a world in which we would like to live, makes sense.

European Journal of Futures Research

It is only through being able to let go, have compassion for oneself, and self-encouragement that we can pursue a path of positivity.

Huffington Post

The older adult thought about how hard it would be to let go of things and see oneself move into that kind of environment and perceive it as a home.

BMC Geriatrics

7 8 In these social contexts, drinks are often consumed to let loose, to facilitate contact or to enjoy oneself.

BMJ Open

Camus argued that one must fight death, one must fight the metaphysical absurdity of life by embracing it; to kill oneself is to accept death, to let death win.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "to let oneself", ensure the context clearly indicates that the subject is consciously permitting themselves to experience something or act in a certain way. The phrase works best when highlighting a deliberate decision to release inhibitions or embrace a particular state.

Common error

While grammatically sound, "to let oneself" can sound informal in academic or professional writing. Consider alternatives like "to allow oneself" or "to permit oneself" for a more appropriate tone in formal settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to let oneself" functions as an infinitive phrase, typically acting as part of a verb phrase to express permission or allowance granted to oneself. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability, demonstrating its role in expressing intentionality.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "to let oneself" is a grammatically sound and usable expression that conveys the idea of consciously allowing oneself to experience something or act in a certain way. According to Ludwig AI, its common use across various contexts makes it a versatile tool in written English. While generally considered neutral in register, it's important to note that more formal alternatives like "to allow oneself" or "to permit oneself" may be more suitable for academic or professional writing. When employing this phrase, make sure the context clarifies the subject's deliberate decision to embrace a particular state or release inhibitions. Ludwig's examples demonstrate its broad applicability, from expressing emotional vulnerability to describing moments of self-indulgence.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to allow oneself

Replaces "let" with "allow", providing a more formal tone while maintaining the same core meaning.

to permit oneself

Substitutes "let" with "permit", resulting in an even more formal and deliberate connotation.

to give oneself permission

Emphasizes the act of granting oneself authorization, adding a layer of intentionality.

to indulge oneself

Focuses on allowing oneself a pleasure or luxury, suggesting a more specific type of self-permission.

to treat oneself

Similar to "indulge oneself", but often implies a reward or act of kindness towards oneself.

to empower oneself

Highlights the act of enabling or authorizing oneself, emphasizing agency and control.

to enable oneself

Focuses on providing the means or opportunity for oneself, suggesting a more practical or logistical element.

to afford oneself

Emphasizes the financial or practical ability to allow oneself something.

to resign oneself

Suggests accepting something unpleasant that cannot be avoided, a contrast to actively choosing to allow something.

to abandon oneself

Implies losing control and giving way to emotions or impulses, a more extreme form of letting go.

FAQs

What does "to let oneself" mean?

The phrase "to let oneself" means to allow or permit oneself to do something or experience a particular state. It implies a conscious decision to release inhibitions or grant permission to oneself.

What can I say instead of "to let oneself"?

You can use alternatives like "to allow oneself", "to permit oneself", or "to give oneself permission" depending on the desired level of formality.

How do I use "to let oneself" in a sentence?

Use "to let oneself" when you want to express the idea of someone consciously allowing themselves to experience something. For example: "It's important to let oneself be vulnerable sometimes."

Is "to let oneself" formal or informal?

The phrase "to let oneself" is generally considered to be more informal. In formal contexts, it's often better to use phrases such as "to allow oneself" or "to permit oneself".