Cool MateCan't we just let it go vs Dismiss
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
Can't we just let it go
Top 2,000 (common)
Dismiss
Top 2,000 (common)B2verb
| Can't we just let it go | Dismiss | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 //kɑːnt wi dʒʌst lɛt ɪt ɡoʊ//🇺🇸 //kænt wi dʒʌst lɛt ɪt ɡoʊ// | 🇬🇧 /["/dɪsˈmɪs/","/dɪsˈmɪsɪz/","/dɪsˈmɪst/","/dɪsˈmɪsɪŋ/"]/🇺🇸 /["/dɪsˈmɪs/","/dɪsˈmɪsɪz/","/dɪsˈmɪst/","/dɪsˈmɪsɪŋ/"]/ |
| Meaning | To stop thinking about something and move on. | To let someone or something go or not consider it. |
| Example | Can't we just let it go and enjoy the party? | The teacher decided to dismiss the class early today. |
| Register | Neutral | Neutral |
| How common | Top 2,000 (common) | Top 2,000 (common) |
| CEFR level | - | B2 |
| Part of speech | verb | |
| Collocations | let it go already, let it go, move on, let it go and forget, let it go for now, let it go, it’s over | quickly, immediately, out of hand, be unable to, cannot, not be possible to, as, from, fairly, unfairly, wrongfully, from |
| Antonyms | - | embrace, welcome, accept |
| Common mistakes | Omitting 'just' which makes it sound more forceful., Using it in contexts where action is required instead of just emotional release., Incorrectly using it as a command rather than a suggestion. | Using 'dismiss' without an object (e.g., saying 'I dismiss' instead of 'I dismiss the idea'), Confusing with 'miss' (to fail to notice or understand), Overusing in casual speech where 'ignore' may be more appropriate |
| Usage notes | This phrase is often used to suggest that one should stop dwelling on a problem or issue. It’s suitable for casual conversations but can be used in more serious contexts too, depending on tone. | Use 'dismiss' when you want to indicate that something is not worth consideration. It's neutral and should be avoided in very formal writing. |
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Frequently asked questions: Can't we just let it go vs Dismiss
What's the difference between Can't we just let it go and Dismiss?
Can't we just let it go: To stop thinking about something and move on. Dismiss: To let someone or something go or not consider it.
Can you show an example of each?
Can't we just let it go: Can't we just let it go and enjoy the party? Dismiss: The teacher decided to dismiss the class early today.
Can I use Can't we just let it go and Dismiss interchangeably?
Not always. Can't we just let it go and Dismiss are related and overlap in some contexts, but they differ in register, how common they are, and usage, so swapping one for another can change the meaning or tone. Check the differences above before substituting.