LET GO OF

đź“– Definition

To 'let go of' means to release one's hold on something, whether physically, emotionally, or mentally, in order to move forward without being restrained by the past.

Examples in context

đź“– Definition

To 'let go of' means to release one's hold on something, whether physically, emotionally, or mentally, in order to move forward without being restrained by the past.

📝 Grammar Info

Separable
No
The phrase must always stay together; you cannot insert words between 'let' and 'go of'.
Register
Neutral
It can be used in both formal and informal contexts without changing its meaning.
Transitive
Yes
'Let go of' requires an object, something you are releasing or relinquishing.

📊 Conjugation Table

Tense Form Example
Present Simple let go of She needs to let go of the past.
Past Simple let go of He finally let go of his anger.
Present Continuous letting go of She is letting go of her worries.
Present Perfect have let go of They have let go of their fears.

đź’ˇ When to Use

Releasing emotional or physical tension
Use when you want to express the action of releasing a hold on something emotionally or physically.
Example: "He let go of his grudges after the meeting."
Moving on from past events
Use when referencing moving past previous experiences, allowing one to progress forward.
Example: "After much thought, she let go of the past."
Ending control over something
Use when indicating the action of ceasing to control or hold something, permitting freedom or change.
Example: "The company let go of outdated policies."

⚠️ Common Mistakes

Incorrect word order
❌ Wrong: Let of go your anger.
âś… Correct: Let go of your anger.
đź’ˇ Tip: Remember the correct order: 'let go of.'
Missing preposition 'of'
❌ Wrong: Why can't you let go your worries?
âś… Correct: Why can't you let go of your worries?
đź’ˇ Tip: Don't forget to include 'of' after 'go.'
Using for intransitive context
❌ Wrong: I let go.
âś… Correct: I let go of the rope.
đź’ˇ Tip: Ensure there's an object after 'let go of.'
Practice

LET GO OF - IN PRACTICE

Study Method Proposal

  1. Listen and repeat the audio as many times as needed to improve your pronunciation
  2. Use the audio as a dictation exercise, trying to write what you hear and understand
  3. Create a new sentence following the structure of the example sentences

Examples in Context

Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms

release relinquish

Antonyms

hold onto

Quick Check

Complete the sentence with the correct phrasal verb:

"After years of holding on, she decided to ___ go of her past regrets."

keep
let go of
catch
grab

"To truly embrace the future, one must let go of the past, allowing new opportunities to illuminate the path ahead."

In Context

In the aftermath of the Civil War, Clara Barton, a pioneering nurse, found herself struggling to let go of the trauma she had witnessed. Despite the challenges, she realized the importance of moving forward and began to channel her efforts into helping others heal from the war's scars. Determined, Barton dedicated herself to founding the American Red Cross, an organization committed to disaster relief and emergency care. However, letting go of her personal stress was not easy. She often grappled with the memories of injured soldiers and the medical challenges she faced during the war. As she worked tirelessly to build the Red Cross, Barton understood she needed to let go of past burdens to focus on the present need. By embracing a forward-thinking attitude, she successfully expanded the organization’s mission, setting the foundation for its humanitarian work that continues today. In the twilight of her life, Barton reflected on her journey, recognizing that her ability to let go of the painful memories had allowed her to lead a life of impactful service, leaving behind a legacy of compassion and resilience.

âť“ Frequently Asked Questions about Let Go Of

What is the origin of let go of?

+
The phrase 'let go of' originated from Middle English, combining 'let' meaning allow or permit, and 'go' suggesting release or move away. It has evolved into a complete phrasal verb requiring an object, often used to describe emotional release or physical action.

Can let go of be used in formal and informal contexts?

+
Yes, 'let go of' can be used in both formal and informal situations. The context determines its tone, allowing it to describe personal emotional release or formal decisions like changes in policy, making it suitable across different communications.

What is the difference between let go of and release?

+
'Let go of' implies an emotional or personal action of releasing attachment, often used in everyday language. 'Release' is more formal and broad, applicable to physical, emotional, or mechanical situations without the necessity of personal attachment.
Browse All Tiny House Phrasal Verbs
Tiny House Phrasal Verbs - WeeklyCross
Alessandra NĂłbrega
About the Author

Alessandra NĂłbrega

History teacher who fell in love with English! This passion led me to specialize in languages and work on bilingual education projects. With 37 years in education, I believe learning should be meaningful – not just memorization.

Learn more about my journey



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