Let Alone

Pronunciation: /lɛt əˈloʊn/

Definitions of let alone

adverb used to emphasize that because the first thing is not likely or possible, the next thing is even less likely or possible

Example Sentences

A1 I can't afford to buy a new car, let alone a house.

A2 She doesn't even have time to exercise, let alone go on vacation.

B1 I struggle to understand basic math, let alone advanced calculus.

B2 The company can barely cover its expenses, let alone invest in new technology.

C1 The team is already struggling with the current workload, let alone taking on additional projects.

C2 The country is facing a major economic crisis, let alone dealing with a natural disaster.

Examples of let alone in a Sentence

formal He couldn't afford a basic phone, let alone a smartphone.

informal I can't even afford a new shirt, let alone a whole outfit.

slang I wouldn't even talk to him, let alone be friends with him.

figurative She couldn't handle a small disagreement, let alone a full-blown argument.

Grammatical Forms of let alone

• past tense: let alone
• plural: let alone
• comparative: more let alone
• superlative: most let alone
• present tense: let alone
• future tense: will let alone
• perfect tense: have let alone
• continuous tense: is letting alone
• singular: lets alone
• positive degree: let alone
• infinitive: to let alone
• gerund: letting alone
• participle: let alone

Origin and Evolution of let alone

First Known Use: 1601 year

Language of Origin: Old English and Middle English

Story behind the word: The phrase 'let alone' originated from Old English and Middle English, where 'læt' meant 'to allow' and 'all one' meant 'entirely one'. It evolved to mean 'not to mention' or 'much less'.

Evolution of the word: Over time, 'let alone' has retained its meaning of 'not to mention' but has become more commonly used in modern English to emphasize the improbability or unlikelihood of something happening.