Let

'Let' is another common word in the English language. In this lesson, we are going to learn all about it.

'Let' is a common verb in English. However, it only functions as the main verb in sentences. In this lesson, we are going to discuss how to learn and use it.

Functions of 'Let'

'Let' as the main verb

'Let' as the Main Verb

As mentioned above, 'let' only functions as the main verb. Below, we are going to learn all about the different meanings it can take:

Use

When we want to suggest something to someone, we use 'let'. Here, we mainly use 'let's' which is the short form of 'let us':

A : Do you like to have ice cream?

B : Yea. Let's get granny and have some ice cream.

Let's head out downtown and enjoy the night, then.

When we want to help someone in doing something, we use 'let':

Anna is so stubborn. She won't let anyone help her carry that beg.

Let me hold that coat for you.

We can use 'let' to make an offer or give instructions to someone:

I told her to let me know if she wanted help.

Let me know what you're up to when the report is finished.

When we want to allow someone to do something, we can use 'let':

Don't let her get into your thoughts.

When are you going to let me ride a bike mom?

When we allow something/someone to enter somewhere, we use 'let':

If you leave the door open, they are gonna think that you're letting them in.

The minister believes that this room will let in more people than expected.

We can also use 'let' to challenge someone to do something:

How dare you think you can let me go like that?

We can use 'let' to introduce the kind of thing we are going to say:

In order to help you understand this better, let me provide you with a few useful examples.

Let me provide details for you.

When we give someone a room, a house, etc. to use in return to be paid, we use 'let':

I let the old attic to a college student.

Position in a Sentence

'Let' is a verb that can come both after the subject, and also at the beginning of the sentence when we are suggesting something or allowing someone to do something. However, it is more polite. Look at the following examples for more clarification:

Let me do that for you, honey.

Here, we are politely offering someone our help so the main verb is at the beginning of the sentence.

She lets me know whenever she needs help.

Here, we have 'let' after the subject.

Idioms and Expressions

In English, we have some idioms and expressions with 'let'. Below, we are going to uncover a;; about it:

Let something/someone be: When we want to stop changing something/someone, we use this idiom:

I'm really tired Ma, so just let me be.

Rick tried to talk her out but gave up eventually and let her be.

Let someone go: When we want to indicate that someone is free to go, we use this idiom:

She wasn't the kind of person to let you go easily.

The enemy has not decided to let the hostages go yet.

Let something go: When we stop paying attention to something, we use this idiom to refer to it:

My son has completely let the stable go.

What happens if you let the garden go?

Let me think/see: When we are trying to remember something, we use this one:

Just let me think for a minute and we'll figure it out.

Let's just say: When we want to say something about a situation but you are not going to provide details to it:

Ok, let's just say he was mad, is that really an excuse to shout at people?

Let yourself go: When we want to be relaxed and free from worrying, we use this idiom:

Sometimes, it's better to just let yourself go and enjoy the time being.

To let: When some place is available for rent, we use this one:

There was an advertisement of a room to let in this district.

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