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let alone

Meaning in simple English, pronunciation and examples

Pronunciation: US /ˌlɛt əˈloʊn/ · UK /ˌlet əˈləʊn/

let alone means: Used after a negative statement to say that something more difficult or unlikely is also impossible.

conjunction

MUCH LESSB2

Used after a negative statement to say that something more difficult or unlikely is also impossible.

  • I cannot walk, let alone run.
  • She barely knows the town, let alone every street.
  • We could not afford lunch, let alone a hotel room.

How to use it: negative clause + let alone + noun/verb phrase (I cannot afford a bike, let alone a car.)

Similar words: much less, never mind

Common phrases: let alone something, let alone anyone

verb

STOP BOTHERINGB2

To stop disturbing someone or touching or changing something.

  • Please let me alone.
  • She asked him to let her alone while she worked.
  • Let that loose tooth alone; it will fall out naturally.

How to use it: let someone/something alone (Please let the dog alone while it sleeps.)

Similar words: leave alone, let be

Opposites: bother, disturb

Common phrases: let alone someone, let alone something

Questions about let alone

What does let alone mean?

Used after a negative statement to say that something more difficult or unlikely is also impossible.

What is let alone in other languages?

Türkçe: şöyle dursun · Español: mucho menos · Français: encore moins · Deutsch: geschweige denn · Italiano: tanto meno · 日本語: まして

How do you pronounce let alone?

In American English /ˌlɛt əˈloʊn/; in British English /ˌlet əˈləʊn/.

How do you use let alone in a sentence?

I cannot walk, let alone run. She barely knows the town, let alone every street.

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let alone in other languages

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