you let me

USAGE SUMMARY

"You let me" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to ask for someone's approval or as a polite way of asking for something. Example: "You let me borrow your car, right?".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

If you let me".

The Guardian

"You let me know".

The New York Times

You let me have Adam.

The Guardian - Books

Can you let me out?

The New Yorker

You let me have my list.

The Guardian - Books

"You let me know," the bartender said.

The New Yorker

Would you let me know your recommendations?

The New York Times

"Will you let me win at the next tournament?

The Economist

"If you let me, you can see your children".

The New Yorker

It's enough that you let me feel it".

The New Yorker

MR. OBAMA:  Why don't you let me address it, ma'am.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "you let me" in a question, ensure the context clearly indicates whether you're seeking permission, expressing gratitude, or highlighting a past action. For example, "Will you let me know if you need help?" is a request, while "You let me down" expresses disappointment.

Common error

Avoid using "you let me" in highly formal settings, as it can sound too casual. Opt for more formal alternatives like "would you permit me" or "if you would allow me" in those contexts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "you let me" primarily functions as a request for permission or as an expression of having been allowed to do something. It can also express disappointment or reproach, as seen in Ludwig examples like "You let me down". It indicates agency and the granting of permission or opportunity.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Academia

15%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Science

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "you let me" is a versatile phrase used to request permission, express gratitude, or convey disappointment. According to Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct and very common. While generally neutral in register, it's important to consider the context and choose more formal alternatives like "allow me" or "permit me" in professional settings. The most frequent contexts for its usage are news and media, followed by academic settings. Be mindful of potential misinterpretations by ensuring clarity in your intended meaning, whether seeking permission or expressing reproach.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

let me

This alternative is shorter, slightly less polite and directly demands the action.

give me permission to

This alternative clearly expresses the need for explicit permission.

would you allow me to

This alternative is a polite way to ask for permission and is slightly more verbose than the original phrase.

if you would allow me

This alternative places emphasis on the condition of permission being granted.

allow me

This alternative is a more formal way of asking for permission or making a polite offer.

authorize me to

This alternative is often used in formal or official contexts where authorization is required.

permit me

This alternative is even more formal than "allow me" and suggests a higher degree of deference.

grant me the ability to

This alternative implies a request for a more substantial capability or opportunity.

may I

This alternative is a slightly more formal way of asking for permission than "can I".

can I

This alternative is a short, informal way of asking for permission.

FAQs

How can I use "you let me" in a sentence?

You can use "you let me" to ask for permission, express gratitude, or voice disappointment, depending on the context. For example, "Will "you let me" borrow your book?" or "You let me know the results as soon as you can".

What's the difference between "you let me" and "allow me"?

"You let me" is generally more casual, while "allow me" is more formal and polite. Choose the phrase that best fits the tone of the situation.

What are some alternatives to "you let me" for seeking permission?

Alternatives include "permit me", "would you allow me to", or "give me permission to", depending on the level of formality required.

Is it ever incorrect to use "you let me"?

While generally correct, using ""you let me"" in extremely formal situations might be inappropriate. In such cases, opt for more formal alternatives to maintain a professional tone.