to not let that happen vs not to let that happen

Both phrases are correct, but they are used in different contexts. "To not let that happen" is used when the negative form of the verb is placed after the 'to'. On the other hand, "not to let that happen" is the more common and standard structure in English.

Last updated: April 14, 2024 • 98 views

This phrase is correct but less common in English. It is used when the negative form of the verb is placed after the 'to'.

"to not let that happen"

This structure is used when you want to emphasize the negation by placing 'not' immediately after 'to'.

Examples:

I decided to not let that happen.
She chose to not go to the party.
He promised to not forget her birthday.
They agreed to not reveal the secret.
We need to not make the same mistake again.

Show examples from the web [+]

The mission of NOAA's Office of Law Enforcement is to not let that happen. OLE is dedicated to enforcing laws that conserve and protect our nation's marine ...
Sep 9, 2021 ... "It was up to them to not let that happen to any other people," she said. "When you go to Shanksville, you appreciate what they did.
Oct 8, 2020 ... ... laws and we are determined to not let that happen,” said Casey Durst, Director of Field Operations for CBP's Baltimore Field Office.
Mar 16, 2023 ... In an interview with Eyewitness News, Carvalho urged the union to not let that happen. "We have more resources to put on the table," the ...
Dec 7, 2022 ... We've got to figure out how to not let that happen again. That's the key." IU has worked on rebounding drills and box-out drills in practice ...
Sep 5, 2017 ... “After the loss I was determined to not let that happen again. I studied my tape, strengthened my body, and focused on the areas I needed to ...
Dec 12, 2020 ... Christopher Booker spoke with some who are working to not let that happen. Christopher Booker: This past summer the National Institutes of ...
I vowed to not let that happen to others. For me, being the change, I wanted to see in health care delivery is why I decided to pursue a career in nursing.
Sep 14, 2006 ... ... and that owner's home regulator starts exporting its rules to London, then the F.S.A. would be able to not let that happen,” he said.

Alternatives:

not to let that happen
to prevent that from happening
to avoid that happening
to stop that from occurring
to prohibit that from taking place

This phrase is the more common and standard structure in English.

"not to let that happen"

This is the standard structure used in English when forming negative infinitives.

Examples:

I decided not to let that happen.
She chose not to go to the party.
He promised not to forget her birthday.
They agreed not to reveal the secret.
We need not to make the same mistake again.

Show examples from the web [+]

Nov 30, 2011 ... This year, he hopes not to let that happen again. Romney made two quick campaign stops in the state Tuesday, and he made a special effort to ...
Apr 20, 2016 ... I couldn't figure out why my device dropped to 80% if I left it charging… but I now know why! I'll be sure not to let that happen in future.
Jun 19, 2023 ... I was determined not to let that happen. With your significant help — and I mean that sincerely — all of you here, particularly Anna in the ...
Oct 16, 2015 ... I was determined not to let that happen, so I looked for a school close to work – an hour away from where we live – and found one where I ...
Dec 23, 2022 ... He promises not to let that happen again, insisting he will “actively look for quality candidates” to promote in the 2024 primaries.
Jan 12, 2017 ... ... the powerful Fort Worth Republican pushing ethics reform in the Texas House this year, is determined not to let that happen again.
Patients who are listed as "confidential" in STAR do not want their information given out, and we must be careful not to let that happen.
Jun 8, 2015 ... ... and other Republicans in Congress are trying hard not to let that happen — counterattacking with a legislative blitz not seen since Newt ...
Jul 6, 2023 ... ... traffic congestion worse and stranding transit-dependent riders — we have a responsibility not to let that happen,” said Senator Wiener.
Dec 14, 2017 ... He vowed not to let that happen. Speaking at his annual marathon news conference, Putin reaffirmed his firm denial of meddling in the 2016 ...

Alternatives:

to prevent that from happening
to avoid that happening
to stop that from occurring
to prohibit that from taking place
to hinder that from transpiring

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to not let that happen vs not to let that happen