To Let – 3 Forms of the Verb "Let" and How to Use Them Properly

Introduction:

The verb “let” is commonly used in English, especially in phrases like “to let a house” or “let someone go.” If you’re studying English grammar, understanding the 3 forms of “let” (base form, past tense, and past participle) is important for correct sentence formation in speaking and writing. This article explains the three forms of “let”, their meanings, and how to use them with examples.

The 3 Forms of the Verb "Let"

Verb Form	Word	Use in Sentence Example
Base Form	let	They let the children play outside.
Past Tense	let	He let the dog out yesterday.
Past Participle	let	She has let the room for six months.

Meanings of “Let” (In Different Contexts)

To allow or permit
Please let me go.
Let him speak.
To rent out a property (British usage)
They let the apartment to students.
The house was let within a week.
To release or set free
The company let 10 employees go.
He was let out of jail early.
Phrasal Verbs
Let down – to disappoint
Let in – to allow someone to enter
Let off – to excuse or release

Examples Using the 3 Forms of "Let"

Present Simple:

I let my brother use my bike every weekend.

Past Simple:

She let the bird fly out of the cage yesterday.

Present Perfect:

We have let our house to a foreign couple.

Quick Grammar Tips

Since “let” doesn’t change form, pay attention to the helping verbs around it for tense:

He lets… (present)

He let… (past)

He has let… (present perfect)

In formal writing, “let” as a rental term is mostly used in British English. In American English, we say “rent” instead:

UK: This flat is to let.

US: This apartment is for rent.

Let vs. Rent: What’s the Difference?

Term	Used in	Example
Let	UK English	We let our house to a family.
Rent	US English	We rented our apartment last year.
To Let	UK signs	“To Let” signs outside buildings
For Rent	US signs	“For Rent” posters in neighborhoods

Conclusion:

The verb “let” is easy to use once you know that its base, past, and past participle forms are all the same: let, let, let. Whether you're talking about allowing someone to do something or renting out property, it's a useful and flexible verb in both everyday and formal English.