Meaning trap
let out
make a sound (e.g. a scream, sigh)
To suddenly make a loud or noticeable sound, such as a scream, sigh, or laugh.
Don't mix these meanings
Same phrase, different job.
To suddenly make a loud or noticeable sound, such as a scream, sigh, or laugh.
Another meaning of 'let out' is 'allow someone to leave a place'; compare the examples to keep the meanings separate.
Hear it in context
Notice where the phrase sounds natural.
She let out a sigh of relief when she heard the good news.
When I saw my exam results, I couldn’t help but let out a big laugh because I was so surprised.
Fix the pattern
One small grammar move makes it sound right.
Not: He let out of a sigh.
Say: He let out a sigh.
'Let out + a sound' directly — no 'of'.
Which sounds natural?
Tap the one a native speaker would say.
'Let out (a scream/sigh)' is the natural collocation. 'Emitted a scream' is clinical.
Build natural chunks
Words that usually travel with it.
let out + a
- a scream
- a sigh
- a groan
- a yell
Don't confuse it
Related
Other meanings and phrases to compare.
- let out (allow someone to leave a place) — Another meaning of 'let out' is 'allow someone to leave a place'; compare the examples to keep the meanings separate.