Grammar Rule in 30 Seconds
Always use object pronouns (them, him, me) after 'let' because 'let' is a verb that requires an object to receive the action.
- Use 'them' not 'they' after let: 'Let them eat.' (Correct) vs 'Let they eat.' (Incorrect)
- The verb following the object must be in the base form: 'Let them go' (not 'to go').
- This applies to all pronouns: use me, us, him, her, and them after the word let.
Overview
let them と let they の違いは、まさにこの「格」のルールの根本に関わる問題です。let they という表現は文法的に誤りであり、常に let them を使うのが正解です。なぜそうなるのか、そしてなぜ私たち日本人は let they と言いたくなってしまうのか。その背景には、日本語と英語の構造的な違いが深く関わっています。let という動詞は「〜させる」「〜するのを許す」という意味を持つ「使役動詞（Causative Verb）」の一種です。この動詞の後ろには、「誰に（何に）許可を与えるのか」という「目的語」が必ず必要になります。英語のルールでは、目的語の役割を果たす代名詞は必ず「目的格（Objective Case）」でなければなりません。they は「主格（Subjective Case）」であり、文の主語として動作を行うときにしか使えない形なのです。let them が正しいのかという論理的な背景を、日本語の感覚と比較しながら深く掘り下げていきましょう。これを通じ、中級レベル（B1）にふさわしい、より自然で正確な英語の基礎を固めていきます。let が持つ特殊な性質を整理する必要があります。let を使った文でも、意味の上では them（彼ら）が「行く」という動作の主体になります。しかし、文法上の役割としては、let という動詞の「対象（目的語）」になっているのです。let の構造let は「第5文型（SVOC）」を作る動詞です。構造は以下のようになります：- Subject（主語）: 許可を与える人
- Verb（動詞）:
let（許す・させる） - Object（目的語）: 許可を与えられる人（ここが
themになる） - Complement（補語）: 許可された動作（原形不定詞）
I let them go. という文では、I が主語で、let が動詞です。その直後に来る言葉は、動詞 let の影響を直接受ける「目的語」でなければなりません。英語では、動詞のすぐ後ろに置かれる代名詞は、その動作の「受け手」としてカウントされるため、必ず目的格（me, him, her, us, them）を使うという鉄の掟があります。let them の後ろには、go や stay といった動詞の原形が続きます。これを「原形不定詞」と呼びます。通常、動詞を2つ並べる場合は want to go のように to を使いますが、let や make, have といった使役動詞、あるいは see, hear といった知覚動詞の場合、to を伴わない原形を使います。この「let + 目的語 + 原形」というパッケージが、一つのリズムとして英語のネイティブスピーカーの頭の中に定着しています。let they と間違えやすい理由の一つに、日本語の助詞の曖昧さがあります。「彼らに行かせる」と言うとき、日本語では「彼ら（に）」という与格的な表現を使います。しかし、英語には「に」に相当する格の変化はなく、すべて「目的格」という一つのカテゴリーに集約されます。そのため、「彼らが主役なんだから they でいいのではないか？」という日本語的な推論が働いてしまうのです。しかし、英語の文法ピラミッドにおいて、動詞の直後のポジションは「目的格」の独占場であることを忘れてはいけません。let を使った正しい文章の作り方をパターン別に整理します。代名詞の変化を表で確認しながら、具体的な文の組み立て方を見ていきましょう。let の後ろに来る形）の対応を完璧に把握しましょう。let を使った例 |I | me | Let me see. (私に見せて) |You | you | I will let you know. (君に知らせるよ) |He | him | Let him try. (彼にやらせてみて) |She | her | Please let her speak. (彼女に話させてあげて) |It | it | Let it be. (あるがままにさせておけ) |We | us | Let us go. / Let's go. (私たちを行かせて / 行こう) |They | them | Let them decide. (彼らに決めさせよう) |- 現在形:
My boss lets them work from home.(上司は彼らに在宅勤務を許している) - 過去形:
The security guard let them enter the building.(警備員は彼らがビルに入るのを許可した) ※letの過去形はletのままです。 - 未来形:
I will let them choose their own seats.(彼らに自分の席を選ばせてあげよう) - 命令文:
Let them finish their lunch first.(まずは彼らに昼食を済ませてあげなさい)
let の前に don't や doesn't を置きます。Don't let them stay up too late.(彼らをあまり夜更かしさせないでください)She doesn't let them use her computer.(彼女は彼らに自分のコンピュータを使わせない)
let の後ろに置くのは常に「目的格」であるというルールを徹底することで、ケアレスミスを劇的に減らすことができます。let them という表現は、単に「許可を与える」というだけでなく、文脈によって様々なニュアンスを持ちます。ビジネスシーンから日常会話まで、代表的な5つのシチュエーションを紹介します。The teacher let them use dictionaries during the exam.(先生は試験中に辞書を使うことを許可した)If they want to leave early, let them.(もし彼らが早く帰りたいなら、そうさせてあげなさい)
They are arguing again, but let's just let them.(彼らはまた言い争っているけれど、放っておこう)If people want to gossip, let them. I don't care.(噂をしたい人がいるなら、勝手にさせておけばいい。私は気にしない)
let's / let us)let us の短縮形である let's は、自分も含めたグループに対して「〜しましょう」と提案する際に使われます。これは非常に頻繁に使われる形です。Let's discuss this matter in the meeting.(この件については会議で話し合いましょう)Let's not waste any more time.(これ以上時間を無駄にするのはやめましょう)
let me)let them ではありませんが、同じ構造で let me を使うと、「私に〜させてください」という丁寧な申し出になります。ビジネスでの定番フレーズです。Let me handle this client.(この顧客は私に担当させてください)Let me check the schedule and get back to you.(スケジュールを確認して、折り返しご連絡させてください)
Let the paint dry before applying the second coat.(2度塗りを始める前に、ペンキを乾かしなさい)Let the music play.(音楽を流したままにしておいて)
let they と言ってしまう（主格の誤用）they を選んでしまうのです。- × Incorrect:
The manager let they join the project. - ○ Correct:
The manager let them join the project. - アドバイス: 「動詞の直後の代名詞は、誰が主役であっても形は『受け手（目的格）』になる」と自分に言い聞かせましょう。これは
give themやsee themと同じ原理です。
let them to go と to を入れてしまうwant to go や decide to go など、多くの英語の動詞は後ろに to + 不定詞 を取ります。そのため、ついつい let の後ろにも to を入れたくなってしまいます。- × Incorrect:
My parents didn't let them to stay out late. - ○ Correct:
My parents didn't let them stay out late. - アドバイス:
letは「裸（はだか）の動詞（原形）」を好む動詞だと覚えましょう。toという「服」を着せてはいけません。これを「原形不定詞」と呼び、使役動詞の大きな特徴です。
let them を使う際、誰が許可を与えたのかという主語を抜かしてしまい、唐突に Let them go. と言ってしまいがちです。これが命令文なら正解ですが、事実を述べる文では不自然です。- × Incorrect:
(My boss) Let them take a day off.(上司が彼らに休暇を与えた、と言いたい場合) - ○ Correct:
My boss let them take a day off. - アドバイス: 英語は「誰が」を明確にすることを好む言語です。命令文（〜させなさい）でない限り、必ず主語を補う習慣をつけましょう。
let と似た意味を持つ動詞はいくつかありますが、文法構造やニュアンスが異なります。特に allow との使い分けは B1 レベルでは必須の知識です。let | allow | make |let + O + 原形 | allow + O + to 不定詞 | make + O + 原形 |Let them go. | Allow them to go. | Make them go. |let vs. allow の違いto の有無です。allow を使う場合は必ず to が必要になります。ビジネスメールや公的な文書では allow や permit が好まれますが、日常会話では let が圧倒的に自然です。The company doesn't allow them to smoke inside.(会社は彼らに室内での喫煙を許可していない)My friend let them borrow his car.(友達は彼らに車を貸してあげた)
let vs. make の違いlet は「やりたいことをさせる（許可）」、make は「やりたくないこともさせる（強制）」という真逆のニュアンスがあります。I let them play video games.(彼らにゲームをさせてあげた＝許可)I made them clean the room.(彼らに部屋の掃除をさせた＝強制)
let's は let us の短縮形ですが、let's と let us は全く同じ意味ですか？let's は「〜しましょう」という誘いの表現として日常的に使われます。一方、短縮しない let us は、神への祈りや非常にフォーマルな演説、あるいは「私たち（自分たち）を行かせてください」という切実な許可を求める際に使われます。通常の「〜しよう」という文脈で let us と言うと、少し古風で大げさな響きになります。let them の them は、人以外（物や動物）にも使えますか？Let them out. と言います。また、複数のプロジェクトやアイデアについて「それらを同時進行させよう」と言うなら Let them run simultaneously. のように、物に対しても them を使います。Let them they のように、後ろに主語が続くような形は絶対にあり得ませんか？let の直後は必ず目的格（them）であると断言して間違いありません。let の過去形が let のままで見分けがつきにくいのですが、どうすればいいですか？Every day, he lets them... なら現在形（3単現のsがあるため）、Yesterday, he let them... なら過去形です。また、否定文であれば doesn't let（現在）か didn't let（過去）かで明確に判断できます。会話の中では、前後の話の流れから自然に判断できるようになりますので、あまり心配しすぎないでください。let them は、日本語の「〜させる」という感覚を英語の「格」というルールに落とし込んだ非常に重要な表現です。they ではなく them を選ぶ。この小さな一歩が、あなたの英語をより正確で、ネイティブスピーカーにとって違和感のないものへと変えていきます。日々の学習の中で、let を見かけたらその直後の代名詞に注目してみてください。きっと、常に目的格が寄り添っていることに気づくはずです。頑張りましょう！Using 'Let' with Different Pronouns
| Subject | Verb | Object Pronoun | Base Verb | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
I
|
will let
|
them
|
stay
|
I will let them stay.
|
|
You
|
should let
|
him
|
talk
|
You should let him talk.
|
|
She
|
lets
|
us
|
help
|
She lets us help.
|
|
They
|
don't let
|
her
|
drive
|
They don't let her drive.
|
|
We
|
let
|
them
|
choose
|
We let them choose.
|
|
He
|
let
|
me
|
know
|
He let me know.
|
Common Contractions with Let
| Full Form | Contraction | Usage |
|---|---|---|
|
Let us
|
Let's
|
Suggestions (Let's go!)
|
|
Do not let
|
Don't let
|
Prohibitions (Don't let them in.)
|
|
Will not let
|
Won't let
|
Future refusal (I won't let them.)
|
Meanings
The verb 'let' is a causative verb used to grant permission or allow something to happen. In English grammar, verbs are followed by object pronouns, not subject pronouns.
Permission
To give someone the freedom or consent to do something.
“My parents let them stay out until midnight.”
“Please let them finish their work before you ask questions.”
Suggestions (First Person Plural)
Using 'let us' (usually contracted to 'let's') to propose a joint action.
“Let's (let us) go to the park this afternoon.”
“Let's not tell them about the surprise yet.”
Imperative Commands
A way to issue a command or a wish regarding a third party.
“Let them try it their own way first.”
“Let him speak his mind without interruption.”
Reference Table
| Form | Structure | Example |
|---|---|---|
|
Affirmative
|
Let + Object + Verb
|
Let them enter.
|
|
Negative
|
Don't let + Object + Verb
|
Don't let them enter.
|
|
Question
|
Will you let + Object + Verb?
|
Will you let them enter?
|
|
Suggestion
|
Let's + Verb
|
Let's enter.
|
|
Third Person
|
He lets + Object + Verb
|
He lets them enter.
|
|
Past Tense
|
They let + Object + Verb
|
They let them enter yesterday.
|
フォーマル度スペクトル
Please permit them to enter the premises. (Security/Entrance)
Please let them come in. (Security/Entrance)
Let 'em in. (Security/Entrance)
Let 'em slide through. (Security/Entrance)
The 'Let' Connection
Object Pronouns
- them them
- him him
- her her
Actions
- go go
- play play
- speak speak
Subject vs Object after Let
Is it 'they' or 'them'?
Does the word follow 'let'?
Common Phrases
Work
- • Let them know
- • Let them lead
- • Let them finish
Social
- • Let them come
- • Let them stay
- • Let them join
レベル別の例文
Let them play.
Let them play.
Let me see.
Let me see.
Let us go.
Let us go.
Don't let them fall.
Don't let them fall.
Please let them finish their dinner.
Please let them finish their dinner.
Will you let them use your car?
Will you let them use your car?
My boss lets them work from home.
My boss lets them work from home.
Let's not let them win the game!
Let's not let them win the game!
If they are tired, let them take a break.
If they are tired, let them take a break.
Why won't you let them explain what happened?
Why won't you let them explain what happened?
Let them decide for themselves which path to take.
Let them decide for themselves which path to take.
I'll let them know about the meeting tomorrow.
I'll let them know about the meeting tomorrow.
Rather than intervening, we should let them resolve the conflict.
Rather than intervening, we should let them resolve the conflict.
The security guard wouldn't let them pass without ID.
The security guard wouldn't let them pass without ID.
Let them be as creative as they want during the workshop.
Let them be as creative as they want during the workshop.
It is better to let them fail and learn from it.
It is better to let them fail and learn from it.
To truly understand the culture, one must let them express their traditions freely.
To truly understand the culture, one must let them express their traditions freely.
Should we let them proceed with the merger despite the risks?
Should we let them proceed with the merger despite the risks?
The legislation was designed to let them operate without excessive oversight.
The legislation was designed to let them operate without excessive oversight.
Let them not be forgotten in the annals of history.
Let them not be forgotten in the annals of history.
The director's philosophy was to let them inhabit the characters entirely.
The director's philosophy was to let them inhabit the characters entirely.
One might argue that we should let them navigate the complexities of the market alone.
One might argue that we should let them navigate the complexities of the market alone.
Let them but try, and they shall find the task more difficult than anticipated.
Let them but try, and they shall find the task more difficult than anticipated.
The sovereign chose to let them remain in exile for the duration of the war.
The sovereign chose to let them remain in exile for the duration of the war.
間違えやすい
Learners often mix these up because in some languages (like German or Dutch), one word covers both meanings.
Both mean permission, but the grammar is different.
Both are causative, but 'let' is permission and 'make' is force.
よくある間違い
Let they go.
Let them go.
Let he play.
Let him play.
Let she see.
Let her see.
Let we start.
Let's start.
Let them to stay.
Let them stay.
Please let they finish.
Please let them finish.
He lets they work.
He lets them work.
If you let they to do it...
If you let them do it...
Let they who are ready...
Let them who are ready...
Why not let he tries?
Why not let him try?
Let they who have sinned...
Let those who have sinned...
文型パターン
Please let them ___.
I won't let them ___ until ___.
Why don't you let them ___ for a change?
Real World Usage
Let them know we're here.
I let them take ownership of their tasks.
Don't let them overcharge you at the market.
Let them leave the food at the door.
Let them talk, we know the truth.
You should let them try to tie their own shoes.
The 'Me' Test
No 'To' Allowed
Casual Contractions
Polite Alternatives
Smart Tips
Stop and think of the word 'them' as a destination. The permission is traveling TO them.
Check for the word 'to'. Remember: Let = No 'to', Allow = Yes 'to'.
Switch 'let' to 'permit' or 'allow' to sound more professional.
Remember that 'let' is irregular and doesn't change. 'Yesterday I let them' is correct.
発音
Reduction of 'them'
In casual speech, 'them' is often reduced to ''em'.
Linking 'Let' and 'us'
When saying 'Let's', the 't' and 's' blend into a sharp 'ts' sound.
Imperative Stress
LET them go! (Stress on LET)
Emphasizes the command or permission.
暗記しよう
記憶術
Let THEM in, don't let THEY win! (Wait, that doesn't rhyme—try: Let THEM go, so they can grow!)
視覚的連想
Imagine a giant gatekeeper named 'Let'. He only allows people carrying 'Object' bags (labeled me, him, her, them) to pass through his gate to the 'Action' field.
Rhyme
Let them stay, let them play, never use 'they' in this way!
Story
A king wanted to give his people freedom. He stood on his balcony and shouted, 'Let them eat cake!' He didn't say 'Let they eat cake' because he was giving the cake TO them. They were the receivers of his kindness.
Word Web
チャレンジ
Look around you and find three things you would 'let' someone do. Say them out loud using 'Let them...', 'Let him...', or 'Let her...'.
文化メモ
The phrase 'Let them eat cake' is a famous (though likely misattributed) historical quote. It uses the correct 'let them' structure to show a dismissive attitude toward the poor.
In some dialects, 'let' might be used in unique ways for emphasis, but the object pronoun 'them' (or 'em') remains the standard for this construction.
In legal documents, 'let' is rarely used. Instead, 'permit' or 'authorize' are used to avoid the casual tone of 'let'.
From Old English 'lætan', meaning to leave, allow, or leave undone.
会話のきっかけ
If you were a teacher, would you let them use phones in class?
When your friends visit your city, where do you let them stay?
How do you feel when parents let them (their children) run around in restaurants?
If you managed a team, would you let them set their own hours?
日記のテーマ
よくある間違い
Test Yourself
My teacher won't let ___ use calculators during the exam.
If the kids are hungry, let ___ eat the snacks.
Find and fix the mistake:
Please let they finish their presentation.
Allow them to enter the building.
I will let he go to the party.
A: Can the students leave? B: Yes, ___.
Sort these: they, them, him, he, us, we
let / don't / them / forget
Score: /8
練習問題
8 exercisesMy teacher won't let ___ use calculators during the exam.
If the kids are hungry, let ___ eat the snacks.
Find and fix the mistake:
Please let they finish their presentation.
Allow them to enter the building.
I will let he go to the party.
A: Can the students leave? B: Yes, ___.
Sort these: they, them, him, he, us, we
let / don't / them / forget
Score: /8
Practice Bank
13 exercisesThey look like they're having a good time. Just let ___ be.
The director will let them ___ the final scene tomorrow.
If our competitors want to use that strategy, let they fail on their own.
Choose the correct sentence:
Arrange these words into a sentence:
Translate into English: 'Déjalos entrar.'
Match the subjects with the correct object form for the verb 'let':
I know you disagree with their plan, but for now, just let it ___.
The contract is clear; you must let them to access the building.
Choose the correct sentence:
Arrange these words into a sentence:
Translate into English: 'Si ellos quieren irse, déjalos.'
Match the sentence parts:
Score: /13
よくある質問 (8)
In modern standard English, no. It is always `let them`. You might see `let they` in very old poetry or the Bible, but using it today will be seen as a mistake.
`Let's` is simply a contraction of `let us`. We use it for suggestions. In formal writing, you can use `let us`, but in speaking, `let's` is much more common.
Yes, the verb `let` conjugates like any other verb. 'He `lets` them play' or 'She `let` them play' (past tense). The pronoun `them` stays the same.
`Let` is informal and uses a base verb (`let them go`). `Allow` is formal and uses 'to' (`allow them to go`).
It is a correct representation of how native speakers talk informally, but you should write `let them` in any formal or professional document.
Yes! You can say 'Let the water run' or 'Let the paint dry'. If you use a pronoun, it would be 'Let it dry'.
This is a common error even among some native speakers who are trying to sound formal. The correct form is still `let them who...` or more commonly `let those who...`.
In this context, yes. It can also be a noun in tennis (a 'let' serve), but that is a completely different meaning.
Scaffolded Practice
1
2
3
4
Mastery Progress
Needs Practice
Improving
Strong
Mastered
In Other Languages
Dejar / Permitir
English pronouns always come before the second verb.
Laisser
French word order for pronouns changes in the negative.
Lassen
German word order can be different in subordinate clauses.
〜させる (Saseru)
Japanese grammar is suffix-based, not word-based.
دع (Da') / اجعل (Ij'al)
Pronouns are suffixes in Arabic, not separate words.
让 (ràng)
English requires a case change (they -> them); Chinese does not.
Learning Path
Prerequisites
関連動画
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