"A let alone B." Is A more or less than B?

[Millstone85]

For example, which of the following would be correct?

I can not run, let alone walk.
I can not walk, let alone run.

My instinct is that "let alone" means "not even this one/simpler thing", so the first sentence is correct.

However, I have seen the expression being used the other way around.

[Batcathat]

I would say that the second example is correct and that you're basically saying "I can't walk, so I definitely can't run". That said, I'm not a native English speaker and my source is basically "that's how I remember it being used", so take it for what it is. :smalltongue:

[Khedrac]

I am with Batcathat on this (and I am a native English speaker).

The "I cannot do X let alone Y" construction is such that not being able to do X pretty much implies not being able to do Y.
It can usually be states as "especially not" rather than "not even".

I hope this helps (and kudos for being prepared to ask).

[Millstone85]

My thanks to the both of you.


and kudos for being prepared to askIt was made easier by how I once saw a comment calling "let alone" a weird expression.

[halfeye]

For example, which of the following would be correct?

I can not run, let alone walk.
I can not walk, let alone run.

My instinct is that "let alone" means "not even this one/simpler thing", so the first sentence is correct.

However, I have seen the expression being used the other way around.
In my view, both can be correct (though your first seems to be a misuse).

In your thread title, it's not a matter of A being more or less than B, it's a matter of B being more extreme than A, so if A is small, B is smaller, but if A is big then B is bigger (also hotter, colder, wetter, dryer etc.).

[Xapi]

I'd say "let alone" in this context means something akin to "don't even consider" or "don't even talk to me about", as in, "leave (let) [the idea of doing B] alone".

"I can't walk, don't even talk to me about running" would be the phrase that makes sense.

[tomandtish]

For example, which of the following would be correct?

I can not walk, let alone run.

My instinct is that "let alone" means "not even this one/simpler thing", so the first sentence is correct.

However, I have seen the expression being used the other way around.

The second one is correct, and there are two ways to use it.

I can't do/be this simple thing, so why would I be able to do/be this harder thing.

"I can't even walk, let alone run".

OR I can't believe they are able to do/be this harder thing given that they shouldn't be able to do/be the easier thing.

"I can't believe they are alive, let alone conscious".

[YetOneMoreIdiot]

My thanks to the both of you.

It was made easier by how I once saw a comment calling "let alone" a weird expression.

It's interesting how some phrases look weird when taken out of a sentence.

I've seen a similar comment before about the phrase "for the time being". xD

[Stelio Kontos]

A diiferent, possibly easier example:

"Do you have $20?"

"I don't have $1, let alone $20"

[Peelee]

It's interesting how some phrases look weird when taken out of a sentence.

Tabling a motion has exact opposite meanings in America and Britain - when the British table a motion, they bring it to the table to discuss immediately. When Americans table a motion, they shove it away on a table and don't worry about it at the moment while they work on other things.

And don't even get me started on "securing the building"!

[Coppercloud]

It's interesting how some phrases look weird when taken out of a sentence.

I've seen a similar comment before about the phrase "for the time being". xD
I believe I've read something similar.

"We'll put it aside for the time being.
[Me, looking around with a panicked expression] Is it here with us right now?
- Who?
- THE TIME BEING!"

[Millstone85]

I believe I've read something similar.

"We'll put it aside for the time being.
[Me, looking around with a panicked expression] Is it here with us right now?
- Who?
- THE TIME BEING!"I had the same thought. It is a very funny dialogue to visualize.

[Lissou]

I believe I've read something similar.

"We'll put it aside for the time being.
[Me, looking around with a panicked expression] Is it here with us right now?
- Who?
- THE TIME BEING!"

I'll have you know they're DOCTOR Who.

[Peelee]

I'll have you know they're DOCTOR Who.

Just "the Doctor". Doctor Who is the name of the show, not the character, and is a play on him saying his name and people responding "doctor who?"

[Lissou]

Just "the Doctor". Doctor Who is the name of the show, not the character, and is a play on him saying his name and people responding "doctor who?"

I did know that but that didn't work as well to replace "Who" :P

[Peelee]

I did know that but that didn't work as well to replace "Who" :P

Fair.

Also, thinking about legally renaming myself "the Time Being".

[Ionathus]

It's interesting how some phrases look weird when taken out of a sentence.

I've seen a similar comment before about the phrase "for the time being". xD


I believe I've read something similar.

"We'll put it aside for the time being.
[Me, looking around with a panicked expression] Is it here with us right now?
- Who?
- THE TIME BEING!"

I've been re-listening to classic Welcome To Night Vale episodes, and "put it aside for The Time Being" sounds like exactly the kind of comedic fake-out they would do. It turns into a PSA about leaving out offerings to safeguard yourself. I can hear it in Cecil's voice already :smallbiggrin:


Tabling a motion has exact opposite meanings in America and Britain - when the British table a motion, they bring it to the table to discuss immediately. When Americans table a motion, they shove it away on a table and don't worry about it at the moment while they work on other things.

I'd never heard of that British usage before. That one is truly weird! I love how language can diverge while appearing to stay the same.


Just "the Doctor". Doctor Who is the name of the show, not the character, and is a play on him saying his name and people responding "doctor who?"

Please, please, just call me Who. Doctor Who was my father. And then my mother. And then my father again, but younger than me and with darker skin (https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/b/b1/Fifteenth_Doctor_%28Doctor_Who%29.jpg). Constantly reinventing themself; it's a whole thing. Midlife crisis, I think.

[Mordar]

I'll have you know they're DOCTOR Who.


Just "the Doctor". Doctor Who is the name of the show, not the character, and is a play on him saying his name and people responding "doctor who?"

I believe Lissou was referring to the person on first base. Who also holds a PhD.

You people and your crappy campy shown-on-PBS-via-rabbit-ears British TV shows...

- M