What Does “Let sb past” Mean?
“Let sb past” means to allow someone to move ahead or go through a space where you are standing or blocking. It is commonly used when someone gives way or permission for another person to pass.
Introduction
The phrase “let sb past” is a common English phrasal verb used in everyday situations. It literally means to allow somebody to go past you, often when you are standing in their way or blocking their path. This phrase is useful in a variety of contexts, such as walking through a crowded place, driving, or even in sports. Understanding the “let sb past meaning” helps learners use it naturally and politely when asking or giving permission to move forward. Knowing how to use this phrase correctly improves communication and shows good manners in social situations.
Quick Info Box
- Phrasal verb: Let sb past (let somebody past)
- Type: Transitive
- Level: A2 – B1 (Elementary to Intermediate)
- Short meaning: Allow someone to go ahead or through
Structure (Grammar Rules)
“Let sb past” is a transitive phrasal verb. It is usually inseparable, meaning the object (someone) comes directly after “let.” The structure is:
- Let + somebody + past
Example: “Please let me past.”
The object (sb) cannot be placed after “past.” For example, NOT “Let past me.”
How to Use “Let sb past”?
You use “let sb past” when you want to say that someone is allowed to move forward or pass through a place where you are. It is often used in polite requests or descriptions of everyday actions:
- When you ask someone to allow you to pass.
- When you describe letting someone move ahead in a queue or on the road.
- When you explain how you gave way to another person.
Examples
Imagine you are standing in a narrow hallway and someone behind you wants to get through.
- “Excuse me, could you let me past please?”
- “He let me past so I could catch the bus on time.”
- “The security guard let the visitors past the entrance.”
- “She politely let the children past on the crowded sidewalk.”
- “During the race, the slower runner let the faster ones past.”
Common Mistakes
People sometimes confuse word order or use incorrect prepositions with “let sb past.”
- Incorrect: Let past me.
- Correct: Let me past.
- Incorrect: Let sb to past.
- Correct: Let sb past.
Remember, “past” acts as an adverb here, so it does not need a preposition like “to.”
Differences / Synonyms
“Let sb past” is similar to “let sb through,” but there is a slight difference. “Let sb through” often refers to allowing passage through a barrier or checkpoint, while “let sb past” focuses on allowing movement beyond or ahead of you.
- Let sb through: Emphasizes permission to cross a boundary or obstacle.
- Let sb past: Emphasizes allowing someone to move ahead or bypass you.
Other synonyms include “allow sb to pass” and “give way to sb,” but these are usually more formal or descriptive.
Common Collocations
Here are common objects and phrases used with “let sb past”:
- Let a pedestrian past: Allow someone walking to go ahead.
- Let a car past: Allow a vehicle to overtake or move ahead.
- Let a cyclist past: Allow a bike rider to go through.
- Let a queue member past: Allow someone in line to go ahead of you.
- Let a runner past: Allow an athlete to overtake you.
Related Phrasal Verbs
Here are related phrasal verbs of let sb past:
Real-life Dialogue
Here is a short conversation using “let sb past”:
Anna: Excuse me, can you let me past? I’m in a hurry.
John: Sure, no problem! Go ahead.
Anna: Thanks! I appreciate it.
Practice
Complete the sentences by choosing the correct phrase:
- Could you please _______ me ______? I need to get through.
- a) let / past
- b) let / through
- c) let / over
- He _______ the cyclist ______ on the narrow road.
- a) let / past
- b) let / above
- c) let / in
- It’s polite to _______ older people ______ in queues.
- a) let / past
- b) let / after
- c) let / behind
FAQs
- What does “let sb past” mean? It means to allow someone to move ahead or go through a space.
- Is “let sb past” formal or informal? It is neutral and can be used in both formal and informal situations.
- Can I say “let past me”? No, the correct form is “let me past.”
- What is the difference between “let sb past” and “let sb through”? “Let sb past” means allowing someone to go ahead of you, while “let sb through” means allowing someone to cross a barrier or checkpoint.
- Can “let sb past” be used in driving? Yes, it is often used when allowing another vehicle to overtake or move ahead.
