Understanding the verb “to let” and its three forms—V1, V2, and V3—is essential for mastering English grammar. The verb “to let” is commonly used in both spoken and written English, especially when discussing permission, renting, or allowing something to happen. If you're a student, English learner, teacher, or content creator, knowing the verb forms of to let—along with their meaning, structure, examples, and usage tips—can improve your fluency and writing accuracy.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll break down the to let verb 3 forms, explain their grammar rules, provide real-life sentence examples, and help you use the verb “let” effectively in your communication.
To Let Verb 3 Forms – Quick Overview
| Verb Form | Structure | Example |
|---|---|---|
| V1 (Base Form) | let | I let him go. |
| V2 (Past Simple) | let | She let the dog out. |
| V3 (Past Participle) | let | They have let the opportunity slip away. |
Yes, “let” is an irregular verb, and its three forms—let, let, let—remain unchanged in all tenses. This makes it easier to remember than many other irregular verbs.
Meaning of “To Let” as a Verb
The verb to let has several meanings depending on the context:
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To Allow or Permit
Example: She let him use her laptop. -
To Rent or Lease
Example: They let the house to a family. -
To Cause Something to Happen
Example: Don’t let this chance pass you by. -
To Release or Set Free
Example: The coach let the players leave early.
These meanings make the verb highly versatile and frequently used in English grammar and daily conversation.
V1 – Base Form of “To Let”
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Form: let
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Usage: Used in present simple tense or infinitive forms.
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Examples:
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I let my children play outside.
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Please let me know your decision.
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It’s important to let others speak.
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In the base form, “let” is usually followed by a bare infinitive (verb without “to”), such as in “let him go” or “let her drive.”
V2 – Past Simple of “To Let”
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Form: let (same as V1)
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Usage: Used to describe actions completed in the past.
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Examples:
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He let his friend borrow the bike.
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The teacher let the students leave early.
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We let the apartment last year.
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Note: The verb stays unchanged in spelling, but context and sentence structure clarify that it’s past tense.
V3 – Past Participle of “To Let”
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Form: let (again, same as V1 and V2)
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Usage: Used with auxiliary verbs like “has,” “have,” or “had.”
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Examples:
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She has let her team down.
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They have let the house out for years.
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He had let the opportunity slip away.
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The past participle form is commonly used in perfect tenses and passive constructions.
Sentence Examples Using All Three Forms
Here are some examples that show how to use to let verb 3 forms correctly:
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Present Simple (V1): I always let my kids stay up late on Fridays.
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Past Simple (V2): I let them stay up late last night.
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Present Perfect (V3): I have let them stay up for the past few weeks.
Usage Tips for “To Let” Verb Forms
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Tip 1: Since all three forms of “let” are the same, you must rely on sentence structure, tense markers, and helping verbs to distinguish the meaning.
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Tip 2: Use let + object + verb (bare infinitive) in the active voice.
Example: Let me help you. -
Tip 3: In British English, “to let” is commonly used in rental contexts.
Example: The house is to let. -
Tip 4: Be mindful of idiomatic usage:
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“Let it go” (release emotions or thoughts)
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“Let me know” (inform me)
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Common Phrases Using “Let”
Here are popular expressions where to let is used:
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Let’s go! – Suggestion or excitement to start something
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Let alone – Used to emphasize something even more unlikely
Example: He can’t afford a bike, let alone a car. -
Let down – To disappoint someone
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Let in – To allow someone to enter
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Let off – To excuse someone from punishment
These phrasal verbs and idioms make the verb “let” highly versatile in both formal and informal English.
Conclusion
The verb to let is an essential part of English vocabulary and grammar. Its 3 forms—let, let, let—are simple to remember but rich in meaning and usage. Whether you're giving permission, talking about rentals, or using common phrases, knowing how to apply the to let verb 3 forms will elevate your command of the language.
From real-world examples to practical usage tips, mastering this irregular verb helps you become a more fluent and confident English speaker or writer. So the next time you see the phrase "to let", you’ll know exactly how to use it—no matter the tense!