Past Tense of Let
The past tense of "let" is "let." This irregular verb does not change form between the present and past tenses.
Understanding the Simple Past Tense of Let
The simple past tense is used to describe actions that happened and were completed in the past.
Unlike regular verbs that typically end in "-ed," the verb "let" is an irregular verb, meaning it does not follow standard conjugation rules.
Instead, "let" remains the same in both its present and past forms. For instance, "I let him borrow my book yesterday."
Usage Examples of "Let" in Past Tense
Using "let" correctly in sentences is key to mastering its past tense form. Here are some examples:
Yesterday, I let my team leave early.
She let him explain his idea during the meeting.
They let the project run a bit longer than expected.
He let his emotions show after the announcement.
We let the clients review the proposal overnight.
The manager let the staff take an extended lunch break.
My parents let me stay out late last Saturday.
The teacher let the students submit their assignments online.
We let the dog sleep inside because of the storm.
She let her children play outside after dinner.
Each of these examples demonstrates "let" in its past tense form, showing how it can be used in various contexts to indicate permission or allowance.
Common Mistakes and Tips for Correct Usage
Many learners mistakenly change "let" to "letted" or "letten" when forming the past tense.
Remember, the correct past tense form is simply "let." Here are some tips to avoid this error:
Always keep the form of "let" the same, regardless of tense.
Practice by writing sentences with "let" in both present and past contexts.
Read aloud to reinforce the correct usage in your mind.
Avoid overthinking the conjugation since "let" does not change form.
Pay attention to context clues in sentences to determine tense.
Additional Rules and Examples
To further solidify your understanding, consider the following additional rules and examples:
"Let" is often used in imperative sentences to give instructions or make requests, and this usage does not change in past tense constructions. For example:
Present: "Let’s go to the meeting now."
Past: "Yesterday, I let us take a break after the meeting."
When "let" is used in a negative form, it still remains the same. For instance:
Present: "Don't let the opportunity slip away."
Past: "I didn't let the opportunity slip away."
Practice Exercises
Engaging in practice exercises can solidify your understanding. Try completing these sentences with the correct past tense form of "let":
Last week, they ___ the new employee lead the meeting.
She ___ her friend borrow the report.
We ___ the deadline pass without submitting the document.
He ___ the team members express their concerns.
I ___ my assistant handle the client calls.
They ___ the children stay up late for the party.
We ___ our neighbors use our lawnmower.
The coach ___ the players rest after the intense training session.
She ___ her sister drive her car.
The security guard ___ the delivery truck enter the premises.
Answers:
Last week, they let the new employee lead the meeting.
She let her friend borrow the report.
We let the deadline pass without submitting the document.
He let the team members express their concerns.
I let my assistant handle the client calls.
They let the children stay up late for the party.
We let our neighbors use our lawnmower.
The coach let the players rest after the intense training session.
She let her sister drive her car.
The security guard let the delivery truck enter the premises.