Definition

1. Conjunction:
   • Let alone, much less, not to mention: Used to emphasize that something is even more true or applicable in a second situation, after stating it for a first, usually less likely, situation. It introduces a stronger or more obvious case to reinforce the initial statement.

Usage Examples

• Conjunction:
  • Trẻ con còn hiểu nữa là người lớn. (The children can understand, let alone the grown-ups.)
  • Tôi không có tiền mua xe đạp nữa là xe hơi. (I don't have money to buy a bicycle, let alone a car.)
  • Anh ấy chưa đến Hà Nội nữa là Sài Gòn. (He hasn't even been to Hanoi, much less Saigon.)

Advanced Usage

• Structure: The phrase typically follows this structure: [Statement about a lesser case] + nữa là + [the greater/more obvious case]. The part after is the more extreme or expected example.
  • Bài này dễ đến mức học sinh lớp 5 còn làm được nữa là sinh viên đại học. (This exercise is so easy that a 5th grader can do it, let alone a university student.)

Variants and Related Words

• Huống chi: A more literary synonym with the same meaning ("let alone," "much more").
  • Huống chi anh là người có kinh nghiệm. (Especially since you are an experienced person.)
• Chưa kể: Meaning "not to mention," used to add another supporting point, but without the strong comparative emphasis of .

Synonyms

• Let alone: Used to indicate that something is even less likely or true than something else already mentioned.
• Much less: Emphasizes that the second thing is even more improbable than the first.
• Not to mention: Used to introduce an additional, often more significant, point.

Notes on Meaning

• Emphatic Contrast: is used for rhetorical emphasis. It contrasts two elements to argue that if the first (often weaker) statement is true, then the second (stronger) one must undoubtedly be true.
• Implied Meaning: The part following is usually something that is self-evidently true or should be easier to accomplish given the first statement.

1. Let alone
   • Trẻ con còn hiểu nữa là người lớn
     The children can understand, let alone the grown ups