A Grammar Lesson on “Let”
The verb “let” is always followed by a bare infinitive, not a full infinitive. For example, the sentence “I let her try some of the food” is correct, while “I let her to try some of the food” ia incorrect.
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“Let” Grammar Rules
Let’s talk about let and how to properly construct a grammatically sound sentence using this verb.
(To) let is a verb that has a handful of different definitions and uses. One of its primary meanings is “to allow or permit.”
(To) let must be followed by an object and another verb.
However, the verb that follows it must be the bare infinitive form. Remember, an infinitive is the base form of a verb with “to” preceding it (these are known as full infinitives). A bare infinitive is one without the “to.”
In the sentence above, promise is a verb and to dance is the infinitive verb.
When followed by a verb, let is always followed by a bare infinitive verb, (never with a full infinitive verb). Keep in mind that let can also be followed by a noun phrase (e.g., Let the man in) or a preposition (e.g., The dog needs to be let out).
It’s important to remember that let meaning “to allow or permit” is not commonly used in the passive form. Instead, use a verb like allow.
- She let her flat to her friends.
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