let out — 2 meanings

One phrase, 2 meanings. Learn them one at a time, then test yourself.

phrasal verb2 meanings

let out

1allow someone to leave a place 2make a sound (e.g. a scream, sigh)

Meaning 1 · most common

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 “allow someone to leave a place”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

Next meaning: make a sound (e.g. a scream, sigh)

Meaning 2

make a sound (e.g. a scream, sigh)

let out sth sth

To suddenly make a loud or noticeable sound, such as a scream, sigh, or laugh.

How oftenNow and then

LevelB2

Used inSpeech & writing

Examples

She let out a sigh of relief when she heard the good news.

A: Did you hear that?
B: Yeah, someone just let out a loud scream upstairs.

Common mistake

Not: He let out of a sigh.

Say: He let out a sigh.

'Let out + a sound' directly — no 'of'.

More on “make a sound (e.g. a scream, sigh)”Another example · Tell it apart · Goes with · Tip

Another example

When I saw my exam results, I couldn’t help but let out a big laugh because I was so surprised.

Tell it apart

She let out a long sigh.

made the sound

They let the prisoners out.

allowed them to leave

Goes with

let out + a

Practice saying this

Test yourself: which one is it?

Spot the meaning

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Read the sentence, then pick the meaning that's in play.

Turn this into speaking practice

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

allow someone to leave a place make a sound (e.g. a scream, sigh)