Let-he vs. I-know: ¿Cuál es la diferencia?
let, olvida los sujetos como I o he y usa siempre los objetos: me, him, us.
Grammar Rule in 30 Seconds
Use object pronouns (him/her/them) after 'let', but subject pronouns (he/she/they) when they are the main subject of a verb like 'know'.
- Always use 'him', 'her', or 'them' after 'let' (e.g., 'Let him speak').
- Use 'he', 'she', or 'they' before 'know' (e.g., 'He knows the answer').
- Never say 'Let he' or 'Him knows' in standard modern English.
Overview
Let-he y I-know es adentrarse en uno de los pilares fundamentales de la estructura del inglés: la distinción entre los pronombres de sujeto y los pronombres de objeto. Como hispanohablantes, este es un terreno donde solemos tropezar, no porque el inglés sea difícil, sino porque nuestra lengua materna nos empuja a pensar de una manera que no siempre encaja con la lógica anglosajona.Deja que él vaya, tu cerebro traduce palabra por palabra y terminas diciendo algo como
Let he go. Suena lógico, ¿verdad? En español usamos el pronombre de sujeto «él».I know (sujeto) pero debemos decir Let him (objeto).let, las reglas cambian drásticamente respecto a lo que estamos acostumbrados en español con el uso del subjuntivo (que él vaya, que yo sepa). Al final de esta guía, entenderás por qué el verbo let es un verbo transitivo que exige un objeto y cómo evitar los errores más comunes que delatan a un hablante de español.comí en lugar de yo comí), el sujeto es casi siempre obligatorio. Pero aquí viene el truco: los pronombres cambian de forma dependiendo de su posición en la frase.I know (Yo sé), el pronombre I es el sujeto. Es el protagonista, el que realiza la acción de saber. En cambio, en una estructura con let, como Let me explain (Déjame explicar), el pronombre me es el objeto.letlet significa permitir o dejar. Es un verbo transitivo, lo que significa que la acción de permitir debe recaer sobre alguien o algo inmediatamente. En inglés, cualquier pronombre que reciba la acción de un verbo debe estar en su forma de objeto.I (Yo) | me (mí, me) |You (Tú/Usted) | you (ti, te, lo) |He (Él) | him (él, lo, le) |She (Ella) | her (ella, la, le) |It (Ello - cosa/animal) | it (lo, le) |We (Nosotros) | us (nosotros, nos) |They (Ellos) | them (ellos, los, les) |Deja que él hable, la palabra «él» funciona como sujeto del verbo
hable. Por eso, nuestro instinto es usar he en inglés. Pero en inglés, la estructura no usa el conector que (*that*).Let + objeto. Al eliminar el que, el pronombre queda atrapado por el verbo let, convirtiéndose obligatoriamente en un objeto.let es un imán que atrae al pronombre y le cambia la forma. No puedes decir Let he, porque he es una forma libre que solo se usa para iniciar acciones. Al estar junto a let, debe transformarse en him.let es muy rígida y predecible, lo cual es una excelente noticia para nosotros. Una vez que memorizas el patrón, no hay pérdida. El patrón se compone de cuatro partes:let + Pronombre de Objeto + Verbo en forma base- 1Sujeto: Quien da el permiso. Puede ser una persona (
My boss lets...) o un pronombre (She lets...). En imperativos, el sujeto no se dice (Let me...). - 2
let: El verbo principal. Recuerda que en presente simple, si el sujeto eshe,sheoit, debes añadir unas:lets. - 3Pronombre de Objeto: Aquí es donde aplicamos lo aprendido. Siempre usaremos
me,him,her,us,them(oyou/it). - 4Verbo en forma base: ¡Ojo aquí! Usamos el infinitivo sin la partícula
to. Es lo que llamamos el *bare infinitive*. DecimosLet him go, nuncaLet him to go.
- Situación de trabajo:
My manager lets us work from home.(Mi gerente nos deja trabajar desde casa). - Sujeto:
My manager - Verbo:
lets(con 's' por ser tercera persona) - Objeto:
us(nosotros) - Acción:
work(forma base)
- Situación social:
Let them come to the party.(Deja que ellos vengan a la fiesta). - Sujeto: (Implícito, es una orden/sugerencia)
- Verbo:
Let - Objeto:
them(ellos) - Acción:
come(forma base)
Let'sLet's todo el tiempo (Let's go!, Let's eat!). ¿Sabías que ese 's es en realidad el pronombre de objeto us?Let's = Let us (Literalmente: Déjanos [a nosotros] ir).
let seguido de un pronombre de objeto no se limita solo a dar permiso. En el nivel B1, debes empezar a usarlo en diferentes matices comunicativos:- 1Dar o pedir permiso (Permitir):
dejar que.Please, let me finish my coffee before we leave.(Por favor, déjame terminar mi café antes de irnos).Her parents don't let her stay out late.(Sus padres no la dejan quedarse fuera hasta tarde).
- 1Hacer sugerencias (Inclusión):
Let's o Let us (más formal).It's a beautiful day, let's go to the beach.(Hace un día precioso, vamos a la playa).Let's not talk about work right now.(No hablemos de trabajo ahora mismo).
- 1Ofrecer ayuda de forma cortés:
Let me help you with those bags.(Deja que te ayude con esas bolsas / Permíteme ayudarte).Let me check the schedule for you.(Déjame revisar el horario por ti).
- 1Introducir una idea o pedir atención:
Let me start by saying thank you.(Permítanme comenzar dando las gracias).Let him explain his point of view first.(Dejen que él explique su punto de vista primero).
- 1Expresiones de
soltarodejar pasar:
Let it go.(Déjalo ir / Olvídalo).Don't let them get to you.(No dejes que ellos te afecten).
Let-he)- Incorrecto:
*Let he decide.(Traducción mental:Deja que él decida
). - Correcto:
Let him decide. - ¿Por qué ocurre? En español, «él» es el sujeto de
decida. En inglés, después deletno hay una cláusula subordinada conque, por lo que el pronombre tiene que ser un objeto.
to antes del segundo verbo- Incorrecto:
*She let me to enter. - Correcto:
She let me enter. - ¿Por qué ocurre? En español usamos el infinitivo (
dejarme entrar) o el subjuntivo (dejar que entre). Muchos estudiantes asocian el infinitivo inglés siempre con la partículato. Peroletes un verbo especial (causativo) que requiere el infinitivo sinto.
that (que)- Incorrecto:
*I let that they go. - Correcto:
I let them go. - ¿Por qué ocurre? Queremos replicar la estructura española
Dejo que ellos vayan
. En inglés,letnunca va seguido dethat. La conexión es directa con el pronombre de objeto.
let con leave.Leavees dejar algo en un lugar (olvidar) o marcharse.I left my keys at home.Letes permitir. Nunca digas*Leave me go. Lo correcto esLet me go.
let con otros verbos que expresan permiso o influencia, porque sus estructuras cambian. Esto te ayudará a elegir la palabra correcta según el nivel de formalidad.let | let + objeto + base | Informal / Neutro | Let me go. |allow | allow + objeto + to + infinitivo | Formal | Allow me to go. |permit | permit + objeto + to + infinitivo | Muy formal / Oficial | They don't permit us to smoke. |make | make + objeto + base | Obligación (no permiso) | He makes me laugh. |let y allow:allow sí requiere el to. Si dices I allow him to speak, es gramaticalmente correcto y significa lo mismo que I let him speak, pero suena mucho más serio y formal. En una conversación de WhatsApp o tomando un café, siempre preferiremos let.I know y Let me know:I know: Yo ya tengo la información. (Sujeto + Verbo).Let me know: Dame la información cuando la tengas. (Verbo + Objeto + Verbo). Es una de las frases más usadas en correos electrónicos profesionales:Please, let me know if you are available.
's en Let's ya significa us (nosotros). Decir Let's we sería como decir Déjanos nosotros vamos. Lo correcto es simplemente
Let's go.let en pasado?let es irregular y su forma no cambia.- Presente:
They let me play.(Ellos me dejan jugar). - Pasado:
They let me play yesterday.(Ellos me dejaron jugar ayer).
him y cuándo he?he cuando esa persona sea la que inicia la frase o la acción principal: He is my friend. Usa him cuando la persona reciba la acción de un verbo o venga después de una preposición: I saw him, This is for him, Let him stay.Let me to tell you?
let, el siguiente verbo nunca lleva to. Lo correcto es Let me tell you (Déjame decirte). Es un error muy común porque otros verbos como want sí lo llevan (I want you to tell me), pero let es una excepción a esa regla.Pronoun Case Selection
| Person | Subject (with Know) | Object (with Let) | Example with Let | Example with Know |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
1st Sing.
|
I
|
me
|
Let me go.
|
I know him.
|
|
2nd Sing.
|
you
|
you
|
Let you be.
|
You know me.
|
|
3rd Sing. (M)
|
he
|
him
|
Let him stay.
|
He knows it.
|
|
3rd Sing. (F)
|
she
|
her
|
Let her speak.
|
She knows us.
|
|
1st Plur.
|
we
|
us
|
Let us (Let's) eat.
|
We know them.
|
|
3rd Plur.
|
they
|
them
|
Let them try.
|
They know why.
|
Common Contractions
| Full Form | Contraction | Usage Note |
|---|---|---|
|
Let us
|
Let's
|
Used for suggestions (Let's go!)
|
|
He knows
|
He's known
|
Present perfect (He has known)
|
|
Do not let
|
Don't let
|
Negative imperative
|
|
Does not know
|
Doesn't know
|
Negative declarative
|
Meanings
This rule distinguishes between the causative/imperative use of 'let' (which requires an object pronoun) and the declarative use of 'know' (which requires a subject pronoun).
Permission/Causative
Using 'let' to allow someone to do something or to suggest an action.
“Let her finish her sentence.”
“Don't let them enter the room yet.”
Assertion/Knowledge
Using 'know' to state that a subject possesses information.
“He knows exactly what happened.”
“They know how to fix the car.”
Idiomatic Suggestions
Using 'Let's' as a contraction for 'Let us' to make a group proposal.
“Let's go to the beach!”
“Let's not talk about that right now.”
Reference Table
| Pronombre Sujeto (El que actúa) | Pronombre Objeto (El que recibe) | Ejemplo correcto con 'Let' |
|---|---|---|
|
`I`
|
`me`
|
Please let **me** know.
|
|
`He`
|
`him`
|
The coach let **him** play.
|
|
`She`
|
`her`
|
Did you let **her** in?
|
|
`We`
|
`us`
|
He won't let **us** fail.
|
|
`They`
|
`them`
|
Let **them** try to fix it.
|
|
`You`
|
`you`
|
I'll let **you** decide.
|
|
`It`
|
`it`
|
Don't let **it** fall down.
|
Espectro de formalidad
Please permit him to enter the premises. (Security/Home)
Let him come in. (Security/Home)
Let him in. (Security/Home)
Let 'im in. (Security/Home)
Roles de los Pronombres
Sujeto (El que actúa)
- I, he, she, we, they e.g., **He** knows the way.
Objeto (El que recibe)
- me, him, her, us, them e.g., Let **him** go.
Sujeto vs. Objeto
¿Qué pronombre elijo?
¿Está el pronombre justo después de 'let'?
Casos de Uso
Antes del Verbo
- • `I` go
- • `He` runs
Después de 'Let'
- • Let `me` go
- • Let `him` run
Tras Preposiciones
- • For `me`
- • With `him`
Ejemplos por nivel
Let's go to the park.
Let's go to the park.
I know your name.
I know your name.
Let him play.
Let him play.
He knows me.
He knows me.
Don't let her cry.
Don't let her cry.
She knows the answer.
She knows the answer.
Let them come inside.
Let them come inside.
They know we are here.
They know we are here.
Let him decide; he knows what he wants.
Let him decide; he knows what he wants.
If you let her help, she will feel better.
If you let her help, she will feel better.
We know they are busy, so let's not bother them.
We know they are busy, so let's not bother them.
Let us know if you need anything.
Let us know if you need anything.
Rather than forcing the issue, let him come to his own conclusion.
Rather than forcing the issue, let him come to his own conclusion.
She knows full well that we can't let them stay past midnight.
She knows full well that we can't let them stay past midnight.
Let it be known that he knows nothing of our plans.
Let it be known that he knows nothing of our plans.
Don't let their opinions discourage you; you know your worth.
Don't let their opinions discourage you; you know your worth.
Let him who is without sin cast the first stone, for he knows the weight of guilt.
Let him who is without sin cast the first stone, for he knows the weight of guilt.
Should they refuse to cooperate, let them face the consequences.
Should they refuse to cooperate, let them face the consequences.
He knows the intricacies of the law, so let him handle the negotiations.
He knows the intricacies of the law, so let him handle the negotiations.
Let us not pretend that she knows more than she actually does.
Let us not pretend that she knows more than she actually does.
The director was adamant: let them flounder if they must, provided they know the risks.
The director was adamant: let them flounder if they must, provided they know the risks.
Let there be no doubt that he knows exactly where the bodies are buried.
Let there be no doubt that he knows exactly where the bodies are buried.
To let him believe otherwise would be a disservice, as he knows the truth deep down.
To let him believe otherwise would be a disservice, as he knows the truth deep down.
Let us delve into the archives; she knows where the key is hidden.
Let us delve into the archives; she knows where the key is hidden.
Fácil de confundir
Learners often use 'leave' when they mean 'allow' (e.g., 'Leave me go').
Both are causative, but 'let' is about permission while 'make' is about force.
They mean the same thing but have different grammar.
Errores comunes
Let he go.
Let him go.
Him knows.
He knows.
Let's we go.
Let's go.
Let me to help.
Let me help.
Don't let they see.
Don't let them see.
She know him.
She knows him.
Let her to speak.
Let her speak.
Let him who knows tell us.
Let him who knows tell us.
I let him to know the truth.
I let him know the truth.
He let her knows.
He let her know.
Let he who is without sin...
Let him who is without sin...
Patrones de oraciones
Let ___ (object) ___ (verb).
___ (subject) knows that ___.
Don't let ___ (object) ___ (verb) until ___.
If you let ___ (object) ___ (verb), ___ (subject) will know ___.
Real World Usage
Let me know when u r here.
I know I can contribute to this team if you let me show my skills.
Let them hate, she knows she's iconic.
Let us through, we know our flight is boarding.
Let him leave it at the door, he knows the code.
Let's get the pizza, everyone knows it's the best.
Usa la pista del 'Let's'
Let's es la contracción de Let us. Como us es un objeto, ¡ya tienes el recordatorio perfecto!: "Let's start the meeting now."¡Ojo con el 'And I'!
you and I, pero tras let debe ser me. Prueba quitando a la otra persona: Let you and me talk.
Piensa en el 'Receptor'
let es quien recibe el permiso (el objeto). Por eso usamos: Let them decide the menu.
Alerta de lenguaje antiguo
Let he who..., pero hoy suena rarísimo. En la vida real di: Let him speak his mind.
Smart Tips
Stop! Think of the word 'him'. If you can't say 'Let him', you shouldn't say 'Let he'.
Use 'Let me know' instead of 'Tell me'. It sounds more polite and professional.
Remember it's a group activity. If you are alone, use 'Let me'.
The pronoun between them must be an object, but the pronoun before 'know' in a new clause must be a subject.
Pronunciación
Let's Contraction
The 's' in 'Let's' is pronounced as /s/, not /z/.
Let him Reduction
In fast speech, the 'h' in 'him' is often dropped.
Imperative Let
Let him GO! ↘
A strong command or insistence.
Memorízalo
Mnemotecnia
Let the OBJECT in; the SUBJECT KNOWS the way.
Asociación visual
Imagine a gatekeeper named 'Let' who only allows people carrying 'Object' bags (him, her, them) to pass. Next to him is a wise man named 'Know' who only talks to 'Subject' kings (he, she, they).
Rhyme
After Let, use Him or Her. Before Know, use He or She, for sure!
Story
A king (He) knows where the treasure is. He tells the guard, 'Let him (the servant) go find it.' The king is the subject who knows, but the servant is the object being let go.
Word Web
Desafío
Write 5 sentences about your family using 'Let' and 'Know' correctly (e.g., 'I let him cook because he knows the recipe').
Notas culturales
Using 'Let's' is the most common way to make a suggestion without sounding bossy. It implies equality.
You might hear 'Let us' used more formally in religious contexts, whereas 'Let's' is universal.
The phrase 'Let him be' is a common way to say 'Leave him alone'.
The word 'let' comes from the Old English 'lætan', meaning to leave, allow, or bequeath. 'Know' comes from 'cnawan', meaning to perceive or recognize.
Inicios de conversación
Let's decide on a movie. Do you know any good ones?
If you could let anyone in the world lead your country, who would it be?
Let's talk about your future. What do you know for sure?
Do you let your friends borrow your car? Why or why not?
Temas para diario
Errores comunes
Test Yourself
The coach won't let ___ play until his knee is better.
Find and fix the mistake:
Please let she know that I'll be late.
Choose the correct sentence:
Let's es la contracción correcta de Let us para hacer sugerencias. Let we es incorrecto.Score: /3
Ejercicios de practica
8 exercisesLet ___ finish his work; ___ knows what he is doing.
Which sentence is correct?
Find and fix the mistake:
She let he stay because she knows him.
He is allowed to leave.
A: Should I tell him? B: No, don't let ___ know yet.
Select the correct group.
You should use 'to' after the word 'let'.
He -> ?, They -> ?, We -> ?
Score: /8
Practice Bank
14 exercisesCould you let ___ borrow your pen for a second?
Don't let ___ boss you around like that!
Her parents let she and her brother use the car.
Choose the correct sentence:
Traduce al inglés: 'Déjame pensar un momento.'
Ordena las palabras para formar la oración:
Une el sujeto con su forma de objeto:
Just let ___ know what you decide.
Let he and I figure it out ourselves.
Ordena las palabras:
Choose the correct sentence:
Traduce: 'El policía le dejó ir con una advertencia.'
Une las partes de la oración:
Ordena las palabras:
Score: /14
Preguntas frecuentes (8)
'Let's' is a contraction of `Let us`. In modern English, we use the contraction for suggestions and the full form only for very formal permission.
This is a famous biblical quote. While it uses `he` (subject), it is considered archaic. In modern conversation, you should always use `him`.
It can be both! Context matters. If a boss says it, it's a command. If a friend says it about a bad boyfriend, it's a suggestion.
`Let him` is followed by a base verb (`Let him go`). `Allow him` is followed by 'to' (`Allow him to go`).
This is actually grammatically incorrect (it should be 'you and me'), but it is a common mistake even among native speakers.
Yes, if it is the main verb of the clause. For example, `He knows` or `They know`.
Yes! You can say `Let the water boil` or `Let it be`.
It is neutral. It's perfectly fine for both business emails and texting friends.
Scaffolded Practice
1
2
3
4
Mastery Progress
Needs Practice
Improving
Strong
Mastered
In Other Languages
Dejar / Que + Subjunctive
Spanish uses subject pronouns in 'que' clauses.
Laisser / Faire
Pronoun placement is before or after the verb depending on the mood.
Lassen
German case marking is more distinct on nouns, not just pronouns.
〜させる (Saseru)
Japanese is synthetic (verb endings), English is analytic (separate words).
دع (Da') / خلّي (Khalli)
Arabic pronouns are attached as suffixes to the verb.
让 (Ràng)
Lack of case inflection in Chinese.
Learning Path
Prerequisites
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Pronombres de Objeto en Inglés (Object Pronouns)
Francisco Ochoa Inglés Fácil
Diferencia entre Let's y Lets
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