let alone — much less (emphasising something is even less likely or possible)
expressionC1IELTS 7+neutralcommon
Used after a negative statement to emphasise that if the first thing isn’t true or possible, then the second thing is even less likely or possible.
Say it like a native
Textbook I cannot afford a modest car, and certainly not a luxury vehicle.
Native I can't afford a basic car, let alone a luxury one.
'Let alone' links the two in one move; the formal version repeats the whole structure.
Pattern: [negative clause], let alone [more extreme/less likely thing]
In use
- Most teenagers can’t afford to buy a car, let alone a house.daily life
- Honestly, I barely have time to cook for myself these days, let alone try out new recipes or bake something special. My schedule is just too packed.IELTS speaking
Common mistake
✗ He can't walk, let alone to run.
✓ He can't walk, let alone run.
'Let alone' is followed by the same form as before it — here a bare verb ('walk... run'), no 'to'.
Common collocations
let alone— can't, never mind, afford, would
Don't confuse it
'Let alone' is stronger and more emphatic than 'not to mention', and is only used after a negative or limiting statement.