Understanding the Use of Let in English is one of the most essential steps toward mastering fluent and natural communication. This small but powerful word is frequently used in Imperative Sentences, which express commands, requests, permissions, or suggestions. In Hindi, “Let” is often translated as चलो (chalo), करने दो (karne do), or अनुमति देना (anumati dena), depending on the context.
This article provides an in-depth exploration of how “Let” functions in English grammar, its various meanings, sentence patterns, and its application in daily conversation — all with Hindi meaning and examples.
Introduction to LET in English Grammar
The word Let is a verb that primarily means to allow or to permit. However, its use extends beyond permission — it also expresses requests, proposals, encouragement, or even offers.
For example:
- Let him go. (उसे जाने दो)
- Let’s start the meeting. (चलो बैठक शुरू करें)
- Let her speak. (उसे बोलने दो)
These sentences are Imperative Sentences, where the speaker gives a command, suggestion, or request.
The Basic Meaning of LET in Hindi
| English Expression | Hindi Meaning | Function |
|---|---|---|
| Let me go | मुझे जाने दो | Asking for permission |
| Let us play | चलो खेलें | Suggestion or proposal |
| Let him study | उसे पढ़ने दो | Allowing or permitting |
| Let it be | इसे रहने दो | Expression of acceptance or resignation |
| Let’s go | चलो चलें | Encouragement or invitation |
Each form of Let conveys a slightly different emotion or intention, which makes it an extremely versatile word in English communication.
Use of LET in English: Sentence Formation
To correctly apply the Use of Let, you need to understand its basic structure.
Structure 1: LET + Object + Verb (Base Form)
This structure is used when giving permission or allowing someone to do something.
Examples:
- Let him sleep. (उसे सोने दो)
- Let them play. (उन्हें खेलने दो)
- Let her try again. (उसे फिर से कोशिश करने दो)
In these sentences, Let acts as a causative verb. It causes the subject (him/her/them) to perform an action (sleep/play/try).
Structure 2: LET’S + Verb (Base Form)
When Let’s is used, it means Let us. It expresses a suggestion, invitation, or proposal.
Examples:
- Let’s go out for dinner. (चलो रात का खाना बाहर खाते हैं)
- Let’s watch a movie. (चलो फिल्म देखें)
- Let’s start studying. (चलो पढ़ाई शुरू करें)
Here, the Use of Let creates a sense of unity, teamwork, and shared intention.
Structure 3: LET THERE BE + Noun
This form is often used to express a wish, command, or creation statement. It has a formal or literary tone.
Examples:
- Let there be light. (प्रकाश हो जाए)
- Let there be peace. (शांति हो जाए)
- Let there be no confusion. (कोई भ्रम न रहे)
This structure is common in religious, poetic, or philosophical contexts.
The Role of LET in Imperative Sentences
An Imperative Sentence gives a command, advice, or request. Usually, it starts with the base form of a verb like Go!, Come!, or Sit!
However, when we use Let, the tone becomes softer, more polite, and sometimes more inclusive.
Example Comparison:
| Without LET | With LET |
|---|---|
| Open the door. | Let him open the door. |
| Start the meeting. | Let’s start the meeting. |
| Speak clearly. | Let her speak clearly. |
Using Let makes the Imperative Sentence more natural and conversational.
Different Contexts of Using LET
1. Permission (अनुमति देना)
When you allow someone to do something:
- Let him come in. (उसे अंदर आने दो)
- Let me explain. (मुझे समझाने दो)
Here, the Use of Let softens the tone of permission compared to “Allow” or “Permit”.
2. Suggestion or Proposal (प्रस्ताव देना)
Used in Imperative Sentences to suggest a collective action:
- Let’s visit the temple tomorrow. (चलो कल मंदिर चलें)
- Let’s take a break. (चलो थोड़ी देर आराम करें)
This form builds rapport and cooperation between speakers.
3. Request (अनुरोध करना)
In polite English, Let helps express requests gracefully.
- Let me know if you need help. (अगर तुम्हें मदद चाहिए तो मुझे बताना)
- Let us hope for the best. (चलो हम सबसे अच्छा होने की आशा करें)
4. Giving Orders Indirectly (आदेश देना)
Sometimes, Let is used to give indirect or formal orders.
- Let the workers complete their tasks. (मजदूरों को अपना काम पूरा करने दो)
- Let the report be submitted by noon. (रिपोर्ट दोपहर तक जमा कर दो)
In official or written communication, this form sounds more professional and diplomatic.
5. Expressing Wishes or Blessings (कामना करना)
- Let your dreams come true. (आपके सपने पूरे हों)
- Let there be happiness in your life. (आपके जीवन में खुशियाँ हों)
This emotional Use of Let makes the sentence positive and motivating.
6. Expressing Acceptance or Resignation (स्वीकार करना)
- Let it be. (उसे रहने दो)
- Let things happen naturally. (चीजों को अपने आप होने दो)
Such expressions are often used when one decides not to interfere or when accepting reality calmly.
LET vs ALLOW vs PERMIT
Though these words seem similar, there are subtle differences in tone and formality.
| Verb | Common Use | Formality | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| Let | Informal, conversational | Low | Let him speak. |
| Allow | Neutral, both formal & informal | Medium | Allow him to speak. |
| Permit | Very formal | High | He was permitted to speak. |
In conversational English, the Use of Let is more natural and frequent than “Allow” or “Permit.”
LET in Negative Sentences
When we want to deny permission, we use “Don’t let” or “Let’s not.”
Examples:
- Don’t let him go. (उसे जाने मत दो)
- Let’s not waste time. (चलो समय बर्बाद न करें)
- Don’t let them fight. (उन्हें झगड़ने मत दो)
These are negative Imperative Sentences, yet they remain polite and direct.
LET in Interrogative Sentences
You can also use Let to form polite questions or suggestions.
Examples:
- Shall we let him know? (क्या हम उसे बता दें?)
- Why don’t we let her decide? (हम उसे निर्णय लेने क्यों न दें?)
- Will you let me finish? (क्या आप मुझे खत्म करने देंगे?)
These constructions make conversation engaging and respectful.
Idiomatic Expressions with LET
- Let go of – छोड़ देना
- Let go of your fears. (अपने डर को छोड़ दो)
- Let down – निराश करना
- Don’t let me down. (मुझे निराश मत करना)
- Let out – बाहर निकालना या जारी करना
- He let out a secret. (उसने राज़ बता दिया)
- Let in – अंदर आने देना
- Let the air in. (हवा को अंदर आने दो)
- Let off – छोड़ देना या माफ करना
- The teacher let him off this time. (शिक्षक ने इस बार उसे छोड़ दिया)
These idioms demonstrate how dynamic the Use of Let can be across different situations.
Common Mistakes with LET
- ❌ Let to go → ✅ Let go
- ❌ Let’s to start → ✅ Let’s start
- ❌ Let he come → ✅ Let him come
Remember that Let is always followed by the base form of the verb without “to”.
Practical Exercises
Exercise 1: Translate into English
- उसे अंदर आने दो।
- चलो बात करें।
- उसे जाने मत दो।
- चलो शुरू करें।
- उसे सोने दो।
Answers:
- Let him come in.
- Let’s talk.
- Don’t let him go.
- Let’s start.
- Let him sleep.
Exercise 2: Fill in the blanks
- ________ him finish the work.
- ________ go for a walk.
- Don’t ________ them waste time.
- ________ there be peace.
- ________ me try again.
Answers:
- Let
- Let’s
- Let
- Let
- Let
Importance of LET in Spoken English
In everyday English speaking, the Use of Let is indispensable. It allows you to sound natural, confident, and polite. For learners, it serves as an entry point to understanding sentence moods, particularly Imperative Sentences, which are vital in day-to-day communication.
Imagine you’re in a conversation:
- “Let’s go for coffee.” (Suggestion)
- “Let me pay for this.” (Offer)
- “Don’t let it bother you.” (Encouragement)
Each use makes your English richer and more expressive.
Tips to Master the Use of LET
- Practice with real-life dialogues. Try making your own Imperative Sentences using “Let.”
- Notice its tone. Using “Let” can soften your commands and make them sound more polite.
- Translate from Hindi. Convert daily Hindi sentences into English using Let to improve fluency.
- Listen to native speakers. Observe how naturally “Let’s” appears in conversations, movies, or shows.
- Keep sentences short and clear. Simplicity enhances understanding.
Summary Table: Key Patterns of LET
| Type | Structure | Example | Hindi Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|
| Permission | Let + Object + Verb | Let her dance. | उसे नाचने दो |
| Suggestion | Let’s + Verb | Let’s read. | चलो पढ़ें |
| Wish | Let there be + Noun | Let there be peace. | शांति हो जाए |
| Negative | Don’t let / Let’s not | Don’t let him go. | उसे जाने मत दो |
| Formal Command | Let + Passive Verb | Let the report be sent. | रिपोर्ट भेज दी जाए |
Conclusion
The Use of Let in English is much broader than it appears at first glance. It serves multiple purposes — giving permission, making requests, offering suggestions, expressing wishes, or giving indirect commands. In Hindi, it resonates with words like चलो, करने दो, and होने दो, which make it an integral part of everyday speech translation.
By understanding how Let operates within Imperative Sentences, learners can significantly improve their English speaking ability. It enhances politeness, expressiveness, and fluency.
Mastering Let is not merely a grammatical achievement — it’s a step toward sounding more natural, confident, and persuasive in spoken English. So, the next time you speak, think of Let as your linguistic key to smooth, effective communication.
