let
Primary: verbCan function as: verb, noun
Noun form primarily used in tennis/real estate contexts
π Pronunciation
/lΙt/
Syllables: let
Stress: single syllable
consistent pronunciation across varieties
π¨βπ©βπ§βπ¦ Word Family
| Word Class | Forms |
|---|---|
| Verbs | let, lets, letting |
| Nouns | let |
Limited morphological family due to its role as a fundamental verb
π― Verb Forms
| Infinitive: | to let |
| Base form: | let |
| 3rd person singular: | lets |
| Past simple: | let |
| Past participle: | let |
| Present participle: | letting |
Note: Same form for present, past simple, and past participle
π Meanings & Definitions
Noun Meanings
1
permission to occupy property in return for payment
Countability: countable
“The apartment is available for let”
“They have several lets in the city center”
Common collocations: available for let, short-term let, holiday let
Synonyms: rental, lease
formalreal estate
2
a serve that must be taken again in tennis
Countability: countable
“The serve was a let and had to be retaken”
neutralsports/tennis
Verb Meanings
1
allow or permit someone to do something
Aspect: action | Continuous: No
“Let me help you”
“She won't let her children stay up late”
Synonyms: allow, permit, enable
neutral
2
cause to happen or do something
Aspect: action | Continuous: No
“Let's go to the movies”
“Let there be light”
neutral
3
rent out or lease property
Aspect: action | Continuous: Yes
“They let their house while traveling abroad”
formalreal estate
π§ Verb Patterns
let + object + bare infinitive
“Let him go”
Note: Never uses 'to' with infinitive
let's + bare infinitive
“Let's have dinner”
Note: Used for suggestions
Transitivity
Type: transitive
Passive possible: Yes
Passive examples:
“He was let into the building”
π€ Collocations
Verb + Noun
β οΈ Common Errors
β Let him to goββ Let him go
No 'to' with let + infinitive
Common for: Romance language speakers
High impact
β She lets me helping herββ She lets me help her
Use bare infinitive, not -ing form
β Let's to goββ Let's go
No 'to' after let's
π Etymology
Origin: Old English 'lætan'
Original meaning: “allow, permit, leave”
Development: Maintained core meaning of permission/allowance throughout history
Related words in other languages: German 'lassen', Dutch 'laten'
π Register & Frequency
Frequency: top 500 words
Spoken: common
Written: common
Academic: neutral
Business: common
Formality: neutral