Leave vs. Let: to leave, to allow

Leave and let are two common verbs in English that are both related to allowing things to happen, but they have different meanings and grammatical rules. Understanding the difference between leave and let is important for using them correctly in sentences.

See It in an Example Sentence

leave

I have to leave the office at 5 p.m.
She left her keys on the table.

let

Can you let me use your phone?
My parents let me stay out late.

Quick Summary

Verb	Meaning	Usage	Example	Negative Form	Past Tense	Past Participle
leave	to go away from a place or person; to allow something to remain	leave + object + (optional) + place/thing/person	Leave your umbrella here.	don’t leave	left	left
let	to allow or permit someone to do something	let + object (someone) + bare infinitive (verb without “to”)	Let him go outside.	don’t let	let	let

Leave Rules and Usage

. Leaving a Place or Person

Leave is often used to mean “go away from.”
The object of leave can be a place, a person, or a thing.
Sometimes, the object is followed by a prepositional phrase (e.g., leave the room, leave the party).

. Leaving Something Behind

Leave can also mean “allow something to remain.”
The object is usually a thing that stays behind.

. Leaving a Task or Situation

Leave can mean “stop doing something” or “not deal with something.”
The object is the task or situation being left alone.

. Grammar Structure with Leave

leave + object + (prepositional phrase or complement)
The object can be a person, place, or thing.

. Common Collocations with Leave

leave a message
leave a tip
leave a room
leave someone alone

Let Rules and Usage

. Allowing Someone to Do Something

Let means “permit” or “allow.”
It always involves a person who is being allowed to do something.

. Let + Object + Bare Infinitive

The object is usually a pronoun or noun (the person allowed).
The verb after the object is always in the bare infinitive form (without to).
Example: Let her go. (not Let her to go)

. Let and Permission

Let is commonly used when granting or asking for permission.
It’s more informal and less rigid than “allow.”

What is 'let' commonly used for?

talking about habits

granting or asking for permission

describing past actions

giving instructions

granting or asking for permission

'Let' is often used to grant permission or ask if permission is allowed.

. Grammar Structure with Let

let + object + bare infinitive

. Common Collocations with Let

let someone in
let someone know
let it go
let someone down

Summary

Use leave when someone goes away, something stays behind, or you stop dealing with something.
Use let when someone is allowed or permitted to do something.
leave can take a direct object that is a place, person, or thing.
let takes an object (the person) plus a bare infinitive verb.

Review Examples

Example	Explanation
I leave the office at 6 p.m.	“Leave” means “go away from.”
Leave the door open.	“Leave” means “allow something to remain.”
They left the dog outside.	“Leave” means “something stays behind.”
Let me help you with that.	“Let” means “allow me to do something.”
Let him finish his work.	“Let” means “permit him to do something.”
Don’t let the baby cry.	“Let” means “allow the baby to cry.”

Summary Table

Verb	Meaning	Example	Object Types	Verb Form After Object
leave	go away; allow to remain; stop dealing	Leave the keys on the table.	thing, place, person	N/A
let	allow or permit	Let her use your phone.	person	bare infinitive

By mastering the rules for leave and let, you can use these verbs accurately to describe actions and permissions in English.

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