Let-he vs. I-know : Quelle est la différence ?
objet ('me', 'him'), jamais un pronom sujet ('I', 'he').
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 go ou Let him go, ou si tu te demandes pourquoi on dit I know him mais jamais I know he, tu es au bon endroit. Aujourd'hui, on s'attaque à un pilier de la grammaire anglaise : la distinction entre les pronoms sujets et les pronoms objets, particulièrement après le verbe let.let n'est pas celui qui fait l'action, mais celui qui la subit (grammaticalement parlant).let sonne immédiatement très « faux » à l'oreille d'un natif.let exige un pronom objet, comment ne plus jamais confondre he et him dans ce contexte, et comment structurer tes phrases pour sonner comme un pro, que ce soit au bureau ou en voyage.let, il faut d'abord faire un petit rappel sur la nature des pronoms en anglais. Contrairement au français où les pronoms peuvent devenir assez complexes (pense aux « y » et « en »), l'anglais est assez binaire : soit le pronom est le sujet (celui qui fait l'action), soit il est l'objet (celui qui reçoit l'action).I (Je) | me (me/moi) |you (tu/toi) | you (te/toi) |he (il) | him (le/lui) |she (elle) | her (la/elle/lui) |it (il/elle) | it (le/la) |we (nous) | us (nous) |you (vous) | you (vous) |they (ils/elles) | them (les/eux/elles) |let est ce qu'on appelle un verbe transitif. En gros, il a besoin d'un complément d'objet direct pour avoir du sens. Tu ne peux pas juste dire I let (Je laisse) sans préciser *qui* ou *quoi* tu laisses.let est un objet, tu dois utiliser la colonne de droite du tableau ci-dessus.let est aussi un verbe causatif. Cela signifie qu'on l'utilise pour dire qu'on permet à quelqu'un de faire une action. Dans la phrase Let him speak (Laisse-le parler), c'est bien him (lui) qui va parler.let, il est l'objet de la permission.let est l'une des plus régulières en anglais. Une fois que tu as mémorisé la formule, elle ne change jamais. Voici la « recette » :- 1Le Sujet : C'est la personne qui donne la permission.
My boss lets...(Mon patron laisse...)I let...(Je laisse...)
- 1Le verbe
let: Attention à la conjugaison au présent !
- À la 3ème personne du singulier (
he,she,itou un nom singulier), on ajoute un-s:He lets. - Pour tout le reste, c'est
let. - Au passé, bonne nouvelle :
letrestelet!Yesterday, she let me stay.
- 1Le Pronom Objet : C'est le cœur de notre sujet. C'est ici qu'on utilise
me,him,her,us,them.
- 1La Base Verbale : C'est l'infinitif du verbe sans le
to. C'est une erreur classique des francophones de vouloir ajouter unto(parce qu'en français on dit souvent « laisser... à » ou parce qu'on pense à l'infinitif).
- On dit :
Let him go. - On ne dit JAMAIS :
Let him to go.
She lets me use her car.(Elle me laisse utiliser sa voiture.)Don't let them enter the room.(Ne les laisse pas entrer dans la pièce.)Let us help you.(Laisse-nous t'aider.)
Let's :Let's go !. Sais-tu ce que signifie vraiment cette apostrophe ? C'est la contraction de Let us.Let's, on utilise en fait le pronom objet us. C'est l'exemple parfait de notre règle en action. On l'utilise pour faire une suggestion qui inclut tout le monde, y compris soi-même.My parents let me travel alone when I was 18.(Mes parents m'ont laissé voyager seul quand j'avais 18 ans.)Will you let her come to the party?(Est-ce que tu la laisseras venir à la fête ?)
Let'sIt's sunny! Let's eat outside.(Il fait beau ! Mangeons dehors.)Let's not talk about work right now.(Ne parlons pas de travail pour l'instant.)
Let me check that for you.(Laissez-moi vérifier cela pour vous.)Let me carry your bags.(Laisse-moi porter tes sacs.)
let ne signifie pas donner une permission formelle, mais plutôt laisser une situation se produire.Don't let the coffee get cold.(Ne laisse pas le café refroidir.)Let the water boil for five minutes.(Laisse l'eau bouillir pendant cinq minutes.)
- Faux :
*Let he decide. - Juste :
Let him decide. - Pourquoi ? Parce qu'en anglais, la position après le verbe est une position d'objet. Pense à « Laisse-le ».
to (L'infinitif fantôme)let, le verbe est « nu ».- Faux :
*She let me to speak. - Juste :
She let me speak. - Astuce : Imagine que
letest un aimant qui repousse leto.
lets et let'sHe lets me stay.(Il me laisse rester - c'est le verbe conjugué).Let's stay.(Restons - c'est une suggestion, contraction delet us).- Règle : Si tu parles d'une tierce personne qui donne une permission, c'est
lets. Si tu proposes une action au groupe, c'estlet's.
let avec ses cousins allow et permit, car ils signifient presque la même chose mais se construisent différemment. C'est là que beaucoup d'étudiants B1 s'emmêlent les pinceaux.Let | Let + Objet + Base Verbale | Informel / Neutre | Let him go. |Allow | Allow + Objet + to + Infinitif | Formel | Allow him to go. |Permit | Permit + Objet + to + Infinitif | Très formel | Permit him to go. |Make | Make + Objet + Base Verbale | Obligation | Make him go. |Make fonctionne exactement comme let (pas de to), mais le sens change. Let c'est la permission (on dit oui), Make c'est l'obligation (on force).My boss let me leave early.(Mon patron m'a autorisé, il est sympa.)My boss made me stay late.(Mon patron m'a forcé, je n'avais pas le choix.)My boss allowed me to leave early.(Même sens quelet, mais plus professionnel/écrit.)
Let's us go ?Let's contient déjà us. C'est comme si tu disais « Laisse-nous nous partir ». Dis simplement Let's go ou, de manière très formelle, Let us go.Let me know ?let (verbe) + me (pronom objet) + know (base verbale). C'est beaucoup plus naturel que de dire Inform me.let ?He doesn't let me drive. (Il ne me laisse pas conduire).Let's not go there. (N'allons pas là-bas). Attention, on ne dit pas *Don't let's go, même si on l'entend parfois dans de vieux films, c'est très daté.let change au passé ?let (présent) -> let (passé) -> let (participe passé). C'est le contexte qui te dira s'il s'agit du présent ou du passé. Par exemple : Yesterday, he let me finish early (Hier, il m'a laissé finir tôt).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
| Pronom Sujet (Celui qui fait l'action) | Pronom Objet (Celui qui reçoit l'action) | Exemple Correct avec '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 first.
|
|
`You`
|
`you`
|
I'll let **you** decide.
|
|
`It`
|
`it`
|
Don't let **it** fall.
|
Spectre de formalité
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)
Rôles des Pronoms
Sujet (Celui qui fait l'action)
- I, he, she, we, they e.g., **He** knows the way.
Objet (Celui qui reçoit l'action)
- me, him, her, us, them e.g., Let **him** go.
Pronoms Sujets vs. Pronoms Objets
Choisir le Bon Pronom
Le pronom est-il juste après le verbe 'let' ?
Cas d'Utilisation des Pronoms
Utiliser Avant le Verbe
- • `I` go
- • `He` runs
- • `They` study
Utiliser Après 'Let'
- • Let `me` go
- • Let `him` run
- • Let `them` study
Utiliser Après les Prépositions (comme 'for', 'with')
- • For `me`
- • With `him`
- • About `them`
Exemples par niveau
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.
Facile à confondre
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.
Erreurs courantes
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...
Structures de phrases
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.
Pense à 'Let's'
Attention à 'And I'
My parents let my sister and me stay out.
Pense au 'Receveur'
Let them try.Langage Archaïque
Let he who is without sin cast the first stone.(Bible)
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.
Prononciation
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.
Mémorise-le
Moyen mnémotechnique
Let the OBJECT in; the SUBJECT KNOWS the way.
Association visuelle
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
Défi
Write 5 sentences about your family using 'Let' and 'Know' correctly (e.g., 'I let him cook because he knows the recipe').
Notes culturelles
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.
Amorces de conversation
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?
Sujets d'écriture
Erreurs courantes
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:
Score: /3
Exercices pratiques
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:
Translate into English: 'Déjame pensar un momento.'
Arrange these words into a sentence:
Match the subjects with their object forms:
Just let ___ know what you decide.
Let he and I figure it out ourselves.
Arrange these words into a sentence:
Choose the correct sentence:
Translate into English: 'El policía le dejó ir con una advertencia.'
Match the sentence parts:
Arrange these words into a sentence:
Score: /14
FAQ (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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