Meaning trap
let off
not punish
to allow someone to avoid punishment or a difficult task, even though they might deserve it
Don't mix these meanings
Same phrase, different job.
to allow someone to avoid punishment or a difficult task, even though they might deserve it
Another meaning of 'let off' is 'release or fire'; compare the examples to keep the meanings separate.
Hear it in context
Notice where the phrase sounds natural.
The teacher let me off with just a warning because it was my first time being late.
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.
Fix the pattern
One small grammar move makes it sound right.
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'.
Which sounds natural?
Tap the one a native speaker would say.
'Let off' naturally means spare from punishment. The formal version is legalese.
Build natural chunks
Words that usually travel with it.
let off + with
- with a warning
- lightly
- this time
- the hook
Don't confuse it
Related
Other meanings and phrases to compare.
- let off (release or fire) — Another meaning of 'let off' is 'release or fire'; compare the examples to keep the meanings separate.