"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.

[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 ask

It 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.