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Leave vs. Let: to leave, to allow

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A comprehensive guide to the difference between leave and let in English, including their meanings, uses, and examples.

Two common verbs in English, leave and let, have different meanings and uses. Leave generally means to go away from something or to allow something to remain in a certain state. Let means to allow or permit something to happen. Understanding the difference helps avoid confusion.
  • Leave = to go away from something or to allow something to remain
  • Let = to allow or permit something to happen
  • Both can be followed by an object and sometimes a verb, but their meanings change

Leave: meanings and uses

Leave has several related meanings. The most common is to go away from a place. It can also mean to allow something to remain, to stop doing something, or to give something to someone when you go.
  • Leave + place: go away from a location
  • Leave + object: allow something to remain or be in a certain state
  • Leave + person + object: give or cause someone to have something when you go
  • Can be used in both literal and figurative senses

Let: meanings and uses

Let means to allow or permit something to happen. It can be used for people, animals, or situations. Let is often followed by an object and a bare verb (base form without “to”).
  • Let + person/thing + verb (base form): allow someone to do something
  • Can mean allow, permit, or cause
  • Used for granting permission or not preventing something
  • Often appears in requests, suggestions, and instructions

How to form sentences with leave vs. let

Leave is usually followed by a noun (object) or place, and sometimes a person plus an object. When followed by a verb, it usually takes the “-ing” form (gerund) or “to” + verb.
Let is followed by a noun (object) and a verb in the base form (bare infinitive). It does not use “to” before the verb after the object.
  • Leave + noun/place: “I leave the keys on the table.”
  • Leave + person + object: “I leave my children with my parents.”
  • Leave + verb: “He left without saying goodbye.” / “She left the door open.”
  • Let + noun + verb(base): “Let him go.” / “Let me help you.”
  • Let + noun + verb(base): “Let the dog out.”

Examples: leave in context

  • I leave home at 8 a.m.
  • She left her umbrella in the office.
  • They left the window open all night.
  • He left his suitcase with a friend.
  • We left early to avoid traffic.

Examples: let in context

  • Let me explain.
  • Let her join the team.
  • Don’t let the baby crawl in the kitchen.
  • Let’s go to the park.
  • Let him finish his homework.

Common mistakes and how to avoid them

  1. Don’t say “leave me to go” when you mean “let me go.”
    1. Leave me to go to the party.
    2. Let me go to the party.
  1. Don’t use “let” for going away or leaving a place.
    1. Let’s leave 5 minutes early. (correct: “Let’s leave 5 minutes early.”)
    2. Let’s leave 5 minutes early.
  1. Don’t use “leave” when you mean to give permission.
    1. I leave you go out tonight.
    2. I let you go out tonight.
  1. Be careful with verb forms after leave and let.
    1. I let him going.
    2. I let him go.
    3. I leave him to go.
    4. I leave him going. / I leave him to go.

Summary

Leave is about going away or allowing something to remain. Let is about allowing or permitting something to happen. Use leave for actions of departing or leaving things/people behind. Use let for giving permission or allowing someone/something to do something. Watch verb forms: leave + (verbing/to verb), let + verb (base).
Next Up: Get up vs. Wake up: to get up, to wake

Last updated: Thu Jun 12, 2025

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