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Niwantha
“let” or “lets” - Which is correct in the following context?
Hi friends,
Which is correct in the following context? “let” or “lets”? Does “Let” function like “will”, “can”, “may” etc.? (e.g will + base verb, can + base verb)
1) She let us go home early every day.
2) She lets us go home early every day.
Thanks in advance,
Niwantha
May 30, 2020 12:49 PM
Answers · 5
2
"let" is not a semi-modal. It is a verb of permission which takes a bare infinitive as an object.
When I was a child, my mother let me sleep late on Saturdays. [irregular past participle of "to let"]
Now, my wife lets our children sleep late on Saturdays. [third person singular present of "to let]
The synonym "to allow" takes an infinitive as an object.
When I was a child, my mother allowed me to sleep late on Saturdays.
Now, my wife allows our children to sleep late on Saturdays.
Here is some information about semi-modals:
https://www.thoughtco.com/semi-auxiliary-or-modal-1691941
May 30, 2020
2
Hey!
Both are okay but it depends on the context. If you say 'she let us go home early every day' it sounds like you are talking about something in the past tense. If you say 'she lets us go home early every day' then it sounds like it is in the present.
Hope this helps :)
May 30, 2020
Hey!
Both are okay but it depends on the context. If you say 'she let us go home early every day' it sounds like you are talking about something in the past tense. If you say 'she lets us go home early every day' then it sounds like it is in the present.
Hope this helps :)
May 30, 2020
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Niwantha
Language Skills
English, Sinhala
Learning Language
English
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