was let to

USAGE SUMMARY

"was let to" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use this phrase to describe the act of allowing someone to have or use something. For example, "The building was let to a new tenant last week."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

24 human-written examples

The lipid mix was let to cool at room temperature.

Nature

Each contributing factorial constituent was let to change with an associated independent variable.

Engineering Science and Technology, an International Journal

About four-fifths of lower Manhattan's office space was let to financial-services firms.

The Economist

The resin was let to swell in alcohol, washed first with 1 M aqueous NaOH, and then with H2O before use.

Forensic Science International

one contract, for $9,700, was let to study the flow of vouchers, and the other, for $91,600.

The New York Times

First, a system comprising of polystyrene-block-poly 2-vinyl polystyrene-block-poly 2-vinyler polystyrene-block-poly 2-vinylermally equilibrate, resulting in the formation of structured material with hierarchically distributed concentrations of the polystyrene-block-poly 2-vinyl

Polymer

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

36 human-written examples

In 1925 contracts were let to private concerns.

The New Yorker

In this paper, the hysteretic equations are let to be what they really are in most practical situations: just a part of the system dynamics.

IFAC Proceedings Volumes

The company's privileges were let to a group of Saint-Malo merchants from 1708 20.

Encyclopedia Britannica

But the parts contracts for the 787 were let to 135 sites in two dozen countries.

The New York Times

The rest of Europe were let to play amongst themselves.

Wikipedia

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "was let to" when describing a past action where permission or opportunity was granted. Ensure the context clearly indicates who granted the permission and for what purpose.

Common error

Avoid using "was let to" when an active voice construction is more appropriate and direct. For example, instead of "The task was let to be completed by John", write "John was allowed to complete the task".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "was let to" functions as a passive construction indicating permission or allowance given in the past. Ludwig AI confirms this usage through numerous examples showcasing its use in granting opportunity or authorization.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

44%

News & Media

32%

Wiki

24%

Less common in

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "was let to" serves as a versatile passive construction denoting permission or opportunity granted in the past. Ludwig AI affirms its widespread use across various domains, including science, news, and general writing. While grammatically correct and frequently employed, being mindful of contexts where a more direct active voice might enhance clarity is beneficial. Common alternatives include "was allowed to" or "was permitted to", depending on the level of formality desired. The phrase is commonly used and Ludwig marks it as correct.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

was permitted to

Indicates formal permission or authorization, similar to "was let to" but often in more official contexts.

was allowed to

Suggests a general allowance or lack of restriction, differing slightly in formality from "was let to".

was authorized to

Implies official sanction or approval, highlighting the authority behind the permission, where "was let to" might imply a more informal agreement.

was given leave to

Indicates formal permission to do something, which is more emphatic than a simple "was let to".

was leased to

Specifically refers to a formal rental agreement, contrasting with the broader sense of permission in "was let to".

was contracted to

Focuses on a contractual obligation to perform a task, narrowing the sense from the general permission implied by "was let to".

was empowered to

Suggests formal authorization and the granting of power, often in organizational contexts, contrasting with the more general "was let to".

was assigned to

Emphasizes the act of assigning a task or duty, which is a more direct and less passive construction than "was let to".

was enabled to

Highlights the capability or provision of means, differing from the permission-based sense of "was let to".

was given the go-ahead to

Suggests the final step in getting a task started and it’s more informal than "was let to".

FAQs

How can I use "was let to" in a sentence?

You can use "was let to" to indicate that someone was given permission or allowed to do something. For example, "The building "was leased to" a new company", or "The samples "were let to" stand at room temperature".

What's the difference between "was let to" and "was allowed to"?

"Was let to" and "was allowed to" are quite similar. However, "was allowed to" might imply a broader, less specific permission, while "was let to" can sometimes suggest a more formal or contractual agreement, depending on context.

Is "was let to" formal or informal?

The formality of "was let to" depends on the context. It's generally acceptable in both formal and informal settings, but alternatives like "was permitted to" might be preferred in highly formal writing.

What can I say instead of "was let to" to emphasize a contractual agreement?

If you want to emphasize a contractual agreement, consider using "was contracted to" or ""was leased to"" as more specific alternatives.