Learn English – May I say “let me by” or “let me past”

meaning-in-contextphrase-choicepoliteness

Is it at all correct to say let me by or let me past? If so, is it a common expression or an old-fashioned or rare one? I guess most people would say make way to indicate (maybe a bit rudely) that they want to go past someone who blocks the way. Am I right? Is could you please let me past a good and acceptable way of saying this more politely?

Best Answer

Make way sounds archaic, I wouldn't expect it in ordinary speech, only in historical/pseudohistorical contexts or in regard to royalty (in case it matters, I speak American English). The rest of these are pretty much synonymous, if differing in politeness. These are pretty polite:

  • Excuse me, could (or can) I get by you?
  • Could you please let me pass (or past)?
  • Excuse me
  • Could (or can) I get by you?

While there are somewhat rude, especially without a please at the end:

  • Let me by
  • Let me pass (or past)

I use excuse me most often out of these, when passing by a person or through a crowd of people, sometimes coupled with a sorry for inconveniencing them (however slightly).

You could add please to the end of any of these to raise the politeness a bit. Adding a thanks after someone moves for you would be appropriate, too. Excuse me can mean many things, but in this context, it's usually clear.

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