Is let alone proper English?

Yes, it is almost the same thing as “or even.” It’s actually the opposite of “or even.” The excellent example below of “I wouldn’t go near a stingray, let alone pet one” demonstrates this.

How do you use the phrase let alone?

Let alone is used after a statement, usually a negative one, to indicate that the statement is even more true of the person, thing, or situation that you are going to mention next. It is incredible that the 12-year-old managed to even reach the pedals, let alone drive the car.

Is it leave alone or let alone?

“Leave alone” means to leave a person all by himself (in solitude). Please leave me alone, I don’t want company. Alvin needs to study, so let’s leave him alone in his room. “Let alone,” on the other hand, means to stop bothering the person.

Why do we say let alone?

Let alone is used after a statement, usually a negative one, to indicate that the statement is even more true of the person, thing, or situation that you are going to mention next.

How do you use the phrase let alone in a sentence?

Let-alone sentence example

  1. There was one vent in the ceiling, not large enough for her hand let alone her body.
  2. I can hardly walk let alone lift a weapon.
  3. I’ve never begged anyone for anything, let alone mercy.
  4. He left, barely able to see straight let alone think straight.
  5. He can’t find souls, let alone demons.

What does leave alone mean?

to refrain from interfering with something that is satisfactory. leave someone alone. to permit to stay or be alone.

Where does the phrase let alone come from?

Merriam-Webster states that the first known usage of the phrase let alone was in 1765. Etymonline states that the phrase “let alone,” used to mean “abstain from interfering with” comes from Old English. In 1812, it began to take on the meaning “not to mention” or “to say nothing of.

Is let alone same as much less?

because they relate to different meanings of the original word. Hence just because: not to mention and let alone are synonyms; and. much less & still less are synonyms of let alone.

What is the let alone policy?

The driving principle behind laissez-faire, a French term that translates to “leave alone” (literally, “let you do”), is that the less the government is involved in the economy, the better off business will be, and by extension, society as a whole. Laissez-faire economics is a key part of free-market capitalism.

How do you say leave it alone?

synonyms for leave alone

  1. abandon.
  2. abdicate.
  3. abstain.
  4. eschew.
  5. forsake.
  6. pass on.
  7. pass up.
  8. quit.

What does the phrase let alone mean?

Definition of let alone : to say nothing of : not to mention —used especially to emphasize the improbability of a contrasting example he would never walk again let alone play golf — Sports Illus.