Let-he vs. Let-him: What's the Difference?
Grammar Rule in 30 Seconds
Always use object pronouns (him, her, me, us, them) after the verb 'let' when giving a command or permission.
- Use 'him' after let: 'Let him go' (not 'Let he go').
- Use 'us' for suggestions: 'Let us (Let's) start the meeting.'
- Avoid 'he' unless it's a very rare archaic quote like 'Let he who is without sin...'
Overview
English grammar is built on a system of rules where a word's function determines its form. The choice between let he and let him is a perfect example of this system in action. The rule is absolute and consistent: you must always use an object pronoun after the verb let.
Therefore, phrases like let him, let me, let her, let us, and let them are correct, while constructions such as let he, let I, let she, let we, and let they are grammatically incorrect in modern standard English.
This isn't an arbitrary preference; it's a direct consequence of the verb let's grammatical identity. Let is a transitive verb, meaning it requires a direct object to receive its action of 'allowing' or 'permitting'. Furthermore, it belongs to a special class of causative verbs that follow a unique pattern: verb + object + bare infinitive (the base form of a verb without to).
For a B1 learner, mastering this structure is a critical step toward sounding more natural and accurate, as it moves beyond simple sentence patterns and into more complex verb constructions.
This article will deconstruct the principle piece by piece. We will explore the roles of subject and object pronouns, the nature of transitive and causative verbs, and the fixed let + object + base verb pattern. By understanding the 'why' behind the rule, you'll be able to apply it confidently and correctly in all contexts.
How This Grammar Works
let him is correct, we need to explore three foundational concepts: pronoun case, transitivity, and causative verbs. These principles work together to dictate the sentence structure.- Subject Pronouns (
I,you,he,she,it,we,they) perform the verb's action. They are the subject of the sentence. For example, inHe called the office,heis the one performing the action of calling.
- Object Pronouns (
me,you,him,her,it,us,them) receive the verb's action or follow a preposition. InThe manager saw her,heris the one being seen; she is the object of the verbsaw.
I | me | I read the report. | She emailed me. |he | him | He designed the logo. | The team chose him. |she | her | She leads the project. | We depend on her. |we | us | We will attend. | They invited us. |they| them | They agreed. | The news surprised them. |hit, see, buy, and write are transitive. You don't just hit; you hit the ball. You don't just buy; you buy groceries.Let is a classic transitive verb. Its meaning, 'to permit', requires an object—the person or thing being permitted. A sentence like The guard let... is incomplete.him, her, or us to complete the thought: The guard let him pass.Let is also a causative verb, a category that includes make and have. Causative verbs indicate that the subject 'causes' the object to perform an action. These verbs are special because they follow a specific and rigid pattern: Causative Verb + Object + Bare Infinitive.to. Examples include go, see, do, be, and decide. Most English verbs that are followed by another verb require the to-infinitive (want to learn, need to stop), but causatives are a major exception.let commands this exact sequence. Compare let with a more standard verb like allow:The company let him take a vacation.(Causativelet+ objecthim+ bare infinitivetake)The company allowed him to take a vacation.(Standard verballow+ objecthim+to-infinitiveto take)
let him go is that let is a transitive, causative verb that requires an object pronoun (him) followed immediately by a bare infinitive (go).Formation Pattern
let is consistent and predictable, which makes it easy to master once you internalize the components. Every correct sentence using let in this way will follow this structure.
Let + Object (Pronoun or Noun) + Base Verb (Bare Infinitive)
Let: This is the unchanging verb that begins the construction. In commands and suggestions, it does not change form. (The simple present form lets, as in He lets his dog run, is different and refers to a habitual action, not a specific command or proposal).
Object: This slot must be filled by a word in the objective case. This can be an object pronoun or a noun/noun phrase. A subject pronoun is never correct here.
me, you, him, her, it, us, them.
the doctor, my colleagues, the system, a new employee.
Base Verb (Bare Infinitive): This is the infinitive form of the verb without to. It does not change based on the subject or tense. It is always the simple, un-conjugated form. Examples: be, have, try, finish, speak.
to-infinitive) |
Let me explain. | Let I explain. | Let me to explain. |
Let him decide. | Let he decide. | Let him to decide. |
Let her go. | Let she go. | Let her to go. |
Let us try. / Let's try. | Let we try. | Let us to try. |
Let them finish.| Let they finish. | Let them to finish. |
Please let the students ask questions. (Object is noun phrase the students, base verb ask)
Did you let the delivery driver inside? (Object is noun phrase the delivery driver, base verb inside is part of phrasal verb let inside)
Don't let that minor issue become a major problem. (Object is noun phrase that minor issue, base verb become)
let is followed by a receiving object, which is then followed by the base form of the action verb.
When To Use It
let + object + base verb construction is a workhorse in English, used across various situations to express permission, make suggestions, or issue commands. Understanding its different functions will improve your communicative precision.- 1Granting Permission or Allowing an Action
let. It signifies that the subject is giving consent or removing an obstacle for the object.Her parents let her stay out late on weekends.(They permit her to do so.)The software won't let me save the file.(The software is not permitting the action.)After I presented my report, the CEO let me take the lead on the project.(Formal permission was granted.)
- 1Making Suggestions or Proposals (with
Let's)
let's (let us) is one of the most common ways to propose a collective action that includes the speaker. It's inclusive and collaborative.It's getting late. Let's go home.(A suggestion for the group.)Let's not make any assumptions until we have all the data.(A negative proposal, suggesting inaction.)Let's schedule a meeting for next week to discuss this further.(A common professional suggestion.)
- 1Issuing Mild Commands or Imperatives
let often serves as a command directed at the listener, but concerning a third party. It can be softer than a direct command.- A child is interrupting his father. The mother says to the child:
Let him speak.(The command is to the child, allowing the father to speak.) Let them figure it out for themselves. They need to learn.(A command to not interfere.)- The phrase
Let it gois a famous example, advising someone to stop dwelling on an issue.
- 1Formal Declarations and Set Phrases
let can be used to make a solemn declaration. These are often fixed expressions.Let the record show that the defendant was not present.(A phrase used in legal settings.)Let it be known that from this day forward, all employees will receive a bonus.(A formal announcement.)- The historical quote, "Let them eat cake," uses this structure to issue a dismissive, royal-sounding command.
Common Mistakes
let because its pattern is an exception to more common grammatical rules.- 1Using a Subject Pronoun instead of an Object Pronoun
*Let we see. is incorrect because we is a subject pronoun. The verb let demands an object.- Why it happens: Learners may mentally connect the pronoun to the second verb (
weare the ones who willsee), thinking of it as the subject of that second action. However, grammatically, the pronoun is the object of the first verb,let. - Correction:
Let us see.orLet's see.
- 1Using a
to-infinitive instead of a Bare Infinitive
*Please let me to know is a very common error.- Why it happens: Most English verbs that precede another verb use the
to-infinitive (need to know,want to know,plan to know). Learners over-apply this dominant pattern to the exceptional causative verbs. - Correction:
Please let me know.Remember thelet-make-havegroup all use the bare infinitive.
- 1Incorrect Verb Agreement on the Second Verb
Let him tells you or She lets me goes sometimes occur.- Why it happens: Learners try to apply standard subject-verb agreement rules to the second verb, conjugating it for the third person (
he tells,she goes). - Correction: The
let + object + verbstructure 'freezes' the second verb in its base form. It is always the bare infinitive, regardless of the object.Let him tell you.She lets me go.
- 1Confusion with Compound Objects
*My manager let my colleague and I leave early.- Why it happens: The presence of a noun (
my colleague) can obscure the fact that the pronounIis still in the object position. - Correction: Use the 'isolation test'. Remove the other person from the sentence. You would never say
*My manager let I leave early.You would sayMy manager let me leave early.Therefore, the correct form must beMy manager let my colleague and me leave early.
- 1Confusing
Let'sandLets
Let's (with an apostrophe) is a contraction of let us and is used for proposals. Lets (with no apostrophe) is the third-person singular present tense of the verb let.- Proposal:
Let's eat.(Let us eat.) - Habitual Action:
He lets his cat eat at the table.(He permits his cat to do this regularly.)
Real Conversations
Textbook examples are clean, but real-world English is often faster and more condensed. Here’s how you’ll see and hear the let structure used in everyday life.
- In a Work Slack/Teams Channel:
> Hey team, let me know if you have any questions about the Q3 report. I'll be online all day.
- In a Text Message Conversation:
> Friend 1: Should I reply to his weird message?
> Friend 2: Nah just let it be. don't give him the attention.
- In a Casual Spoken Conversation:
> "My son wanted to join the band, so of course, we had to let him buy a drum set. Our poor neighbors!"
- On Social Media (e.g., a comment on a post):
> People are really complaining about a free update? Wow. Let them be miserable, I guess.
- In a Formal Meeting:
> "Before we conclude, let's not forget to thank Sarah for her hard work on this initiative."
Notice how in informal contexts like texting, capitalization and even whole words (us in let's) might be dropped, but the core grammatical structure (let + object pronoun) remains intact.
Quick FAQ
In short, because the verb let requires an object to receive the action of 'permitting'. The pronoun he is for subjects (the 'doer'), while him is for objects (the 'receiver'). In Let him go, him is the object of let.
Let's and Lets?Let's is a contraction of let us and is used to make a suggestion that includes the speaker (Let's start the meeting). Lets is the third-person singular verb form that means 'permits' (My mom lets me borrow her car). The apostrophe signals the missing 'u'.
No, never. It must always be "Let you and me...". The pronoun I is a subject pronoun. The verb let requires object pronouns. Use the isolation test: you would say "Let me...", not "*Let I...". So, you must also say "Let you and me...".
to) after let?Yes, always. The pattern is fixed: let + object + verb (base form). For example, Let him go, not *Let him to go. If you want to use to, you need a different verb, such as allow (I allowed him to go).
It means to allow a situation to exist as it is, without trying to change or control it. It is a piece of advice that encourages acceptance and non-interference, famously used in the title of The Beatles' song.
Pronoun Case after 'Let'
| Subject Pronoun | Object Pronoun (Correct) | Example Sentence |
|---|---|---|
|
I
|
me
|
Let me help.
|
|
You
|
you
|
Let you be the judge.
|
|
He
|
him
|
Let him try.
|
|
She
|
her
|
Let her speak.
|
|
It
|
it
|
Let it be.
|
|
We
|
us
|
Let us pray.
|
|
They
|
them
|
Let them eat.
|
Common Contractions
| Full Form | Contraction | Usage |
|---|---|---|
|
Let us
|
Let's
|
Suggestions (Let's go!)
|
|
Do not let
|
Don't let
|
Prohibition (Don't let him!)
|
Meanings
The verb 'let' is used to give permission, make suggestions, or issue commands. Because 'let' is a transitive verb, the person receiving the action must be in the objective case.
Permission
Allowing someone to do something.
“My boss won't let him leave early.”
“Will you let her borrow your car?”
Suggestions (First Person Plural)
Using 'let us' (usually contracted to 'let's') to propose an action.
“Let us consider the facts.”
“Let's go to the beach this weekend.”
Archaic/Literary Imperative
A formal or biblical way of stating a condition or command, often using 'he' incorrectly by modern standards.
“Let he who is without sin cast the first stone.”
“Let no man put asunder what God has joined.”
Reference Table
| Form | Structure | Example |
|---|---|---|
|
Affirmative
|
Let + Object + Verb
|
Let him stay.
|
|
Negative
|
Don't let + Object + Verb
|
Don't let him stay.
|
|
Question
|
Will you let + Object + Verb?
|
Will you let him stay?
|
|
Suggestion
|
Let's + Verb
|
Let's stay.
|
|
Formal Suggestion
|
Let us + Verb
|
Let us stay.
|
|
Third Person Fact
|
Subject + lets + Object + Verb
|
He lets him stay.
|
Formality Spectrum
Please permit him to enter the premises. (Security gate)
Let him in, please. (Security gate)
Let 'im in. (Security gate)
Let the man through! (Security gate)
The 'Let' Connection
Permission
- Let him go Allow him to leave
Suggestion
- Let's eat I suggest we eat
Subject vs Object
Examples by Level
Let him in.
Let me see.
Let us go.
Let them play.
Don't let him drive your car.
Will you let her stay tonight?
Please let us know your plans.
My dad won't let me go to the party.
If he is tired, let him rest for a while.
Let's not let them influence our decision.
Why won't you let her explain what happened?
Let us assume that the report is correct.
The security guard wouldn't let him through without ID.
Don't let him get under your skin with those comments.
Let her be the one to decide her own future.
We should let them handle the technical details.
Let him who thinks he stands take heed lest he fall.
The company decided to let him go after the scandal.
Let us not be deterred by these temporary setbacks.
Should we let them proceed despite the obvious risks?
Let he who is without sin cast the first stone—though grammatically suspect, the phrase remains iconic.
The magistrate would not let him off the hook so easily.
Let us delve deeper into the socio-economic implications.
To let him suffer in silence would be a grave injustice.
Easily Confused
Learners often use 'leave' when they mean 'allow' (let).
Confusing the imperative with the third-person singular.
Confusing the contraction of 'let us' with the verb 'lets'.
Common Mistakes
Let he go.
Let him go.
Let him to play.
Let him play.
Let's we go.
Let's go.
My mom let me.
My mom lets me.
Please let they enter.
Please let them enter.
He let her to leave.
He let her leave.
Don't let he see.
Don't let him see.
Let he who wants to come, come.
Let him who wants to come, come.
I'll let you to know.
I'll let you know.
She lets he stay.
She lets him stay.
Let he who is without sin...
Let him who is without sin...
Sentence Patterns
Let ___ (object) ___ (verb).
Don't let ___ (object) ___ (verb).
Why won't you let ___ (object) ___ (verb)?
Real World Usage
Let him know I'm running late.
Please let us know your availability.
Don't let them dull your sparkle!
Will they let him through customs?
Just let him leave the food at the door.
I won't let him watch that movie.
The 'Me' Test
No 'To' Allowed
Let's vs Let us
Archaic Quotes
Smart Tips
Stop and think of the phrase 'Let me'. Since 'me' is an object, 'him' must be the object too.
Use 'Let us know' instead of 'Let's know' to sound more professional.
Names don't change, but the rule for the verb does. Still no 'to'!
Notice that it's always followed by an action. It's the easiest way to suggest something.
Pronunciation
H-Dropping
In fast, casual speech, the 'h' in 'him' or 'her' is often dropped.
Flap T
In American English, the 't' in 'let' sounds like a quick 'd' when followed by a vowel.
Imperative Stress
Let HIM do it! (Stress on 'him')
Emphasizing that a specific person should do the task.
Memorize It
Mnemonic
Let HIM in, don't let HE win. (Always use the object pronoun!)
Visual Association
Imagine a bouncer at a club named 'Let'. He only allows people with 'Object' ID cards (me, him, her, us, them) to enter. If someone shows a 'Subject' ID (I, he, she, we, they), he turns them away.
Rhyme
Let him, let her, let them too / Never use 'he' or 'they', it's true!
Story
A king wanted to allow a peasant to enter his castle. He shouted to the guards, 'Let he enter!' but the royal grammarian corrected him, 'Your Majesty, it's Let HIM enter!' The king was so embarrassed he never forgot again.
Word Web
Challenge
Write 5 sentences using 'let' with 5 different object pronouns (me, him, her, us, them) about things you want to do today.
Cultural Notes
The phrase 'Let he who is without sin' is from the King James Bible. Many native speakers think 'Let he' sounds 'holy' or 'smart' because of this, even though it's technically wrong.
The song 'Let It Go' from Frozen uses 'let' with the object 'it'. It's a perfect example of the standard rule.
In some Northern British dialects, 'let' is used in unique ways, but the pronoun rule 'let him' remains the standard for clarity.
From Old English 'lætan', meaning to leave, allow, or let go.
Conversation Starters
Will your parents let you travel alone?
If you were a boss, would you let your employees work from home?
Let's imagine you won the lottery. What's the first thing you'd do?
Do you think schools should let students choose their own subjects?
Journal Prompts
Common Mistakes
Test Yourself
Please let ___ finish his homework before he goes out.
Find and fix the mistake:
My teacher lets we use our phones in class.
Don't let him ___ (see) the surprise yet!
Allow him to enter the room.
'Let he who is hungry eat first.'
A: Can John come with us? B: No, his mom won't ___.
Pick the correct way to suggest a movie.
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
Score: /8
Practice Exercises
8 exercisesPlease let ___ finish his homework before he goes out.
Find and fix the mistake:
My teacher lets we use our phones in class.
Don't let him ___ (see) the surprise yet!
Allow him to enter the room.
'Let he who is hungry eat first.'
A: Can John come with us? B: No, his mom won't ___.
Pick the correct way to suggest a movie.
Match: 1. He, 2. They, 3. We
Score: /8
Practice Bank
13 exercisesDon't let ___ boss you around. Stand up for yourself!
Please let him ___ his story before you judge.
Why don't you let you and he figure it out?
Choose the correct sentence:
Translate into English: 'Déjalo intentar de nuevo.'
Arrange these words into a sentence:
Match the pronouns:
I don't know the answer, so let's ask Sarah. Let ___ explain it.
My phone died, so my friend let I use his.
Translate into English: 'No los dejes comer el postre antes de la cena.'
Choose the best option:
Arrange these words into a sentence:
Match the pairs:
Score: /13
FAQ (8)
Only in archaic, biblical, or poetic contexts. In modern English, it is always `let him`.
`Let` is used for imperatives or with 'I/you/we/they'. `Lets` is only used for 'he/she/it' in the present tense (e.g., 'He lets me go').
No. After `let`, you must use the bare infinitive (the verb without 'to').
`Let's` is a contraction of `let us`. It is used to make a suggestion that includes the speaker.
Yes, `let us` is typically found in formal speeches, prayers, or legal documents.
Use 'don't let' (e.g., `Don't let him leave`).
Rarely. Instead of 'He was let go', we usually say `He was allowed to go` (unless 'let go' means 'fired').
It means 'leave it alone' or 'accept the situation as it is'. It uses the object pronoun `it`.
Scaffolded Practice
1
2
3
4
Mastery Progress
Needs Practice
Improving
Strong
Mastered
In Other Languages
Dejar / Permitir
English uses the bare infinitive, while Spanish often uses the subjunctive.
Laisser
Pronoun placement in French changes in negatives, whereas English stays the same.
Lassen
German word order can place the infinitive at the end of the sentence.
〜させる (Saseru)
Japanese incorporates the 'let' meaning into the verb conjugation itself.
دع (Da') / اسمح (Ismah)
Arabic pronouns are attached to the verb as suffixes.
让 (Ràng)
Chinese pronouns do not change form between subject and object, which causes confusion for Chinese learners of English.
Learning Path
Prerequisites
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