let alone

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "let alone" is correct and usable in written English.
It is used as an intensifier to emphasize how unlikely an event or situation is. For example, "I don't have enough time to finish this project this week, let alone by tomorrow."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"Let alone with me".

The New York Times - Books

Let alone the Moon.

The New York Times

Let alone scoring.

Independent

Let alone kids.

Independent

Let alone the cholesterol.

The New York Times - Travel

"Let alone a feminist.

The Guardian

Let alone trusted you.

The Guardian

Let alone Teddy".

The Guardian

"Let alone after seventy".

The New Yorker

Let alone French.

The New Yorker

Let alone care.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "let alone" to emphasize a contrast between two impossibilities or unlikely scenarios. It adds a layer of intensity and emphasizes the unexpected nature of the second scenario.

Common error

Avoid using "let alone" when both scenarios are positive or likely. "Let alone" is best used when both scenarios have a negative connotation or represent an escalation of unlikelihood.

How to use

Learn how to use "let alone" with practical examples and tips.

How to use

Linguistic Context

The phrase "let alone" functions as a conjunction, primarily used to introduce a more extreme example that reinforces the unlikelihood of a preceding statement. Ludwig AI confirms its frequent use in emphasizing impossibilities. The examples show it linking related, escalating scenarios.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

93%

Academia

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Less common in

Science

1%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "let alone" is a conjunction phrase used to emphasize that something is even less likely than something already stated. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and suitability across a range of contexts. It’s most commonly found in news and media, but also appears in academic and business contexts, demonstrating its versatility. Remember to use it when you want to highlight a contrast between two increasingly unlikely scenarios. It's a powerful tool for adding emphasis and clarifying the scale of improbability.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

much less

Indicates something is even less likely or possible than what was previously mentioned; direct synonym.

to say nothing of

Emphasizes the insignificance of the first item compared to the implied second item.

not to mention

Adds an item that is even more significant or surprising than the first.

never mind

Suggests that the first item is not worth considering, given the unlikelihood of the second.

even less so

Highlights the reduced likelihood of the second item.

still less

Emphasizes that the second scenario is even further from possibility.

without even considering

Dismisses the need to consider the second item because the first is already unlikely.

apart from

Excludes something from consideration.

besides

Introduces an additional and more significant point.

to not even mention

Similar to “not to mention” but stresses exclusion

FAQs

How to use "let alone" in a sentence?

"Let alone" is used to emphasize that something is even more impossible or unlikely than something else already mentioned. For example, "He can't boil water, "let alone" cook a gourmet meal."

What can I say instead of "let alone"?

You can use alternatives like "much less", "to say nothing of", or "not to mention" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "let alone" or "leave alone"?

"Let alone" is a conjunction used to emphasize impossibility, while "leave alone" means to not disturb or bother someone or something. For example, "Don't bother me, just "leave alone""."

What's the difference between "let alone" and "not to mention"?

Both phrases introduce an additional element that is even more significant than the first. "Let alone" emphasizes the unlikelihood or impossibility of the second element, while "not to mention" simply adds another important point. For example, "He doesn't have the skill, "let alone" the experience" versus "He's smart, not to mention good-looking."