Cool MateCan't we just let it go vs Dismiss vs Move on
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
Can't we just let it go
Dismiss
Move on
| Can't we just let it go | Dismiss | Move on | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 //kɑːnt wi dʒʌst lɛt ɪt ɡoʊ//🇺🇸 //kænt wi dʒʌst lɛt ɪt ɡoʊ// | 🇬🇧 /["/dɪsˈmɪs/","/dɪsˈmɪsɪz/","/dɪsˈmɪst/","/dɪsˈmɪsɪŋ/"]/🇺🇸 /["/dɪsˈmɪs/","/dɪsˈmɪsɪz/","/dɪsˈmɪst/","/dɪsˈmɪsɪŋ/"]/ | 🇬🇧 //muːv ɒn//🇺🇸 //muːv ɑn// |
| Meaning | To stop thinking about something and move on. | To let someone or something go or not consider it. | To start doing something new after something else has ended. |
| Example | Can't we just let it go and enjoy the party? | The teacher decided to dismiss the class early today. | After the breakup, it took her a while to move on. |
| Register | Neutral | Neutral | Neutral |
| How common | Top 2,000 (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 | move on from the past, move on to bigger things, move on in life, move on after loss, move on quickly |
| 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 | Confused with 'move out', which means to leave a place., Using 'move on' without a context of change., Incorrect verb tense (e.g., saying 'moved on to' instead of 'move on to'). |
| 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. | Used when transitioning from one phase or idea to another. Common in conversations about change, but less formal in professional settings. |
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Frequently asked questions: Can't we just let it go vs Dismiss vs Move on
What's the difference between Can't we just let it go, Dismiss, and Move on?
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. Move on: To start doing something new after something else has ended.
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. Move on: After the breakup, it took her a while to move on.
Can I use Can't we just let it go, Dismiss, and Move on interchangeably?
Not always. Can't we just let it go, Dismiss, and Move on 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.