Questions & Answers about Jag låter bli att kommentera bilden.
Why do the words låter and bli mean 'refrain' in this sentence?
The phrase låta bli is a fixed expression. Literally, låta means 'to let' and bli means 'to become' or 'to be'. Together, they mean 'to let be' or 'to refrain from' doing something. Here, låter bli is in the present tense because you are actively choosing not to do it right now.
Why is there an att before kommentera?
When you use låta bli followed by an action, you must connect them with the infinitive marker att (which means 'to'). The structure låta bli att followed by a verb in its infinitive form is the standard Swedish pattern for refraining from doing an action.
Why is there no Swedish word for 'on' after kommentera?
In English, you comment 'on' something, but in Swedish, the verb kommentera takes a direct object. This means you do not need a preposition like på. You simply say kommentera bilden (comment the picture).
What is the difference between this sentence and Jag kommenterar inte bilden?
Jag kommenterar inte bilden simply states a negative fact: 'I am not commenting on the picture.' Using låter bli att adds the specific nuance that you are making a conscious choice and actively holding yourself back from commenting.