Same verb · different particle

“let” phrasal verbs

Same verb, different particle, different meaning. Learn these 5 one at a time, then test yourself.

5 phrasal verbslisten & quiz

let

down in off on out

let + down · 1 of 5

let down

disappoint someone

let sb down

To fail to do what someone expects, making them feel disappointed or upset.

How oftenVery common

LevelB1

Used inMostly spoken

Examples

I promised to help my friend move, but I let her down by not showing up.

A: Did you finish the project on time?
B: No, I let my team down. I feel really bad about it.

Common mistake

Not: I'm sorry to let ~~down you.~~

Say: I'm sorry to let you down.

With a pronoun, the object goes in the middle — 'let you down', not 'let down you'.

More on “let down”Another example · Tell it apart · Goes with · Tip

Another example

In my opinion, it's important not to let your friends down, especially when they rely on you for support.

Tell it apart

Don't let me down.

disappoint me

Let the rope down slowly.

lower it

Goes with

let + down

Practice saying this

Next: let in

let + in · 2 of 5

let in

allow entry

let sb/sth in

to allow someone or something to enter a place, such as a room, building, or area.

How oftenCommon

LevelB1

Used inSpeech & writing

Examples

Could you let me in? I forgot my keys.

A: Who's at the door?
B: It's just Sarah. Can you let her in?

Common mistake

Not: She let ~~in me.~~

Say: She let me in.

With a pronoun, the object goes in the middle — 'let me in', not 'let in me'.

More on “let in”Another example · Tell it apart · Goes with · Tip

Another example

During the interview, I was nervous because I had to wait outside until someone came to let me in.

Tell it apart

Open the window and let some air in.

allow it to enter

Don't let on that you know.

reveal a secret

Goes with

let + in

Practice saying this

Next: let off

let + off · 3 of 5

let off

not punish

let sb off with sth

to allow someone to avoid punishment or a difficult task, even though they might deserve it

How oftenCommon

LevelB1

Used inSpeech & writing

Examples

The teacher let me off with just a warning because it was my first time being late.

A: Did you get in trouble for missing the meeting?
B: No, my boss let me off this time since I explained the situation.

Common mistake

Not: The teacher let off ~~him~~ this time.

Say: The teacher let him off this time.

With a pronoun, the object goes in the middle — 'let him off'.

More on “let off”Another example · Tell it apart · Goes with · Tip

Another example

In my opinion, if someone makes a small mistake at work, it's better to let them off with a warning rather than give a strict punishment.

Tell it apart

The police let him off with a caution.

didn't punish him

They let off some fireworks.

set them off

Goes with

let off + with

Practice saying this

Next: let on

let + on · 4 of 5

let on

reveal a secret (often used in the negative: not let on)

let on about sth
informal

to allow other people to know something that is secret or private, often by accident or by not hiding it well; to admit or reveal information that you were supposed to keep hidden.

How oftenNow and then

LevelC1

Used inMostly spoken

Examples

She didn't let on that she already knew about the surprise party.

A: Did you tell anyone about the job offer?
B: No, I didn't let on to anyone. I want to keep it quiet for now.

Common mistake

Not: Don't let on ~~him~~ about the party.

Say: Don't let on (to him) about the party.

'Let on (to someone) ABOUT/THAT' — don't put the person straight after 'let on'.

More on “let on”Another example · Tell it apart · Goes with · Tip

Another example

In my opinion, it's important not to let on if you know a friend's secret, because trust is essential in any relationship.

Tell it apart

Don't let on that we're planning it.

accidentally reveal the secret

Don't let them in on it yet.

deliberately share it

Goes with

let on

Practice saying this

Next: let out

let + out · 5 of 5

let out

allow someone to leave a place

let sth out

To allow someone to leave a room, building, or other place by opening a door or gate.

How oftenCommon

LevelB1

Used inSpeech & writing

Examples

Can you let the dog out before you leave for work?

A: The meeting's over. Can someone let me out?
B: Sure, I'll open the door for you.

Common mistake

Not: Please let ~~out me,~~ I'm trapped.

Say: Please let me out, I'm trapped.

With a pronoun, the object goes in the middle — 'let me out'.

More on “let out”Another example · Tell it apart · Goes with · Tip

Another example

At my old school, the teachers wouldn’t let us out of the classroom until the bell rang.

Tell it apart

Let the cat out, would you?

allow it to leave

Let me in — it's freezing.

allow entry

Goes with

let + out

Practice saying this

Test yourself: which “let” fits?

Fill the gap

Which “let” fits?

Read the sentence, then pick the phrasal verb that belongs in the gap.

Turn this into speaking practice

Pick one and say it out loud. Save the ones you mix up.

let down let in let off let on let out