Let alone

conjunction

Used to emphasize that something is more unlikely or impossible when something less likely has already been mentioned.

I can't afford a vacation, let alone a trip around the world.
Visual representation of "let alone" - Used to emphasize that something is more unlikely or impossible when something less likely has already been mentioned

Often appears as...

  • can't afford...let alone
  • can't manage...let alone

Usage tips

Idiomatic

conjunction

Used to suggest that something is unlikely because something less extreme is already deemed impossible or unlikely.

They don't even know my name, let alone any personal details about me.
Visual representation of "let alone" - Used to suggest that something is unlikely because something less extreme is already deemed impossible or unlikely

Often appears as...

  • don't even know...let alone
  • can't even understand...let alone

Usage tips

Idiomatic

conjunction

Used to emphasize that something is more unlikely or impossible when something less likely has already been mentioned.

I can't afford a vacation, let alone a trip around the world.
Visual representation of "let alone" - Used to emphasize that something is more unlikely or impossible when something less likely has already been mentioned

Often appears as...

  • can't afford...let alone
  • can't manage...let alone

Usage tips

Idiomatic

conjunction

Used to suggest that something is unlikely because something less extreme is already deemed impossible or unlikely.

They don't even know my name, let alone any personal details about me.
Visual representation of "let alone" - Used to suggest that something is unlikely because something less extreme is already deemed impossible or unlikely

Often appears as...

  • don't even know...let alone
  • can't even understand...let alone

Usage tips

Idiomatic

Definition 1 of 2
Visual representation of "let alone"
LampPro Tip 1/3

Increasing Improbability

Use 'let alone' to highlight a progression from something improbable to even more so.

Illustration for Increasing Improbability
He's not ready to run a 5k, let alone a marathon.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Contrast Stressed

'Let alone' emphasizes contrast, not a comparison for similarities.

Illustration for Contrast Stressed
She won't eat vegetables, let alone try exotic foods.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Stark Contrast

The phrase often points to extreme differences between two elements.

Illustration for Stark Contrast
They struggle to boil water, let alone cook a three-course meal.
LampPro Tip 1/3

Increasing Improbability

Use 'let alone' to highlight a progression from something improbable to even more so.

Illustration for Increasing Improbability
He's not ready to run a 5k, let alone a marathon.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Contrast Stressed

'Let alone' emphasizes contrast, not a comparison for similarities.

Illustration for Contrast Stressed
She won't eat vegetables, let alone try exotic foods.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Stark Contrast

The phrase often points to extreme differences between two elements.

Illustration for Stark Contrast
They struggle to boil water, let alone cook a three-course meal.
LampPro Tip 1/3

Increasing Improbability

Use 'let alone' to highlight a progression from something improbable to even more so.

Illustration for Increasing Improbability
He's not ready to run a 5k, let alone a marathon.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Contrast Stressed

'Let alone' emphasizes contrast, not a comparison for similarities.

Illustration for Contrast Stressed
She won't eat vegetables, let alone try exotic foods.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Stark Contrast

The phrase often points to extreme differences between two elements.

Illustration for Stark Contrast
They struggle to boil water, let alone cook a three-course meal.
Visual representation of the word "Let alone"

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