Benjamin L. Stewart

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4 min read

Using “Let” and the Bare Infinitive in English

The verb “let” is a fascinating and sometimes tricky verb in English, primarily because of the unusual grammatical rules governing verbs that follow it. Here’s a breakdown, along with common misconceptions and comparisons to similar verbs:

Understanding “Let”

“Let” primarily means “to allow” or “to permit.” Its basic structure is:

Let + object + base form of verb (infinitive without “to”)

  • Example: “Let me go.” (Allow me to go.)

  • Example: “Let the dog sleep.” (Permit the dog to sleep.)

  • Example: “Let us consider other factors.”

Key Grammatical Rule: The Bare Infinitive

The most important point to understand is that the verb following “let” must be in its base form (also known as the bare infinitive or the infinitive without “to”). We never use the “to-infinitive” (e.g., “to go,” “to sleep”) after “let.”

Common Misconceptions:

  1. Using “to” after “let”: This is the most frequent error. Learners often say things like “Let me to go” or “Let the dog to sleep.” This is incorrect. The “to” is always omitted.

  2. Confusing “let” with “allow”: While “let” and “allow” have similar meanings, their grammar differs. “Allow” does take the to-infinitive: “Allow me to go.” “Let” and “allow” are not interchangeable grammatically, even though their meanings overlap.

  3. Let’s vs. Letting:

    • “Let’s” is a contraction of “let us,” and it always introduces a suggestion for a shared activity. “Let’s eat.” It still uses the bare infinitive.

    • “Letting” is a present participle. “He is letting the situation get out of control.”

Verbs with Similar Grammatical Rules (Bare Infinitive):

“Let” isn’t alone in requiring the bare infinitive. Several other verbs, primarily verbs of perception and causation, follow the same pattern:

  1. Verbs of Perception:

    • See: “I saw him leave.” (Not “I saw him to leave.”)

    • Hear: “We heard the baby cry.” (Not “We heard the baby to cry.”)

    • Watch: “They watched the sun set.”

    • Feel: “I felt the earth shake.”

    • Observe: “She observed the birds fly south.”

    • Notice: “Did you notice him arrive?”

    • Smell, Taste: These can sometimes follow this pattern, but it’s less common and often stylistically marked (more formal/literary). “I smelled something burn.”

    Important Note: With verbs of perception, you can also use the present participle (-ing form) after the object. This changes the meaning slightly.

    *“I saw him leaving” implies you saw part of the action of leaving.

    *“I saw him leave” implies you saw the entire action, from start to finish.

  2. Causative Verbs:

    • Make: “The teacher made us stay after class.” (Not “made us to stay.”) This implies forcing or compelling someone to do something.

    • Have: “I had the mechanic fix my car.” (Not “had the mechanic to fix.”) This implies arranging for someone to do something.

Verbs that are NOT Similar (and cause confusion):

  • Help: “Help” can take either the bare infinitive or the to-infinitive, with little or no difference in meaning. “Help me carry this” and “Help me to carry this” are both correct.

  • Want, Need, Would like, Expect, Ask, Tell, Force, Allow, Encourage, Permit, Require: These verbs all take the to-infinitive after the object. “I want you to listen.” “I need you to help.” “I expect her to arrive soon”. Students will often mistake these for the let rule.

In summary: “Let” is a member of a small group of verbs that require the bare infinitive (infinitive without “to”) of the following verb. Understanding this rule, and recognizing the other verbs that follow the same pattern (mainly verbs of perception and the causatives “make” and “have”), is crucial for correct English grammar. Avoiding the common mistake of adding “to” after “let” and distinguishing “let” from verbs like “allow” are key steps for English language learners.

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