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Lara is an upper-intermediate English student. She feels confident, but then she hears a native speaker say something like:
Let it slide!
Let her off the hook.
Don’t let it get to you.
Wait…how is “let” doing all that?
As simple as it looks, the verb “let” is part of tons of useful expressions called phrasal verbs that native speakers use all the time.
Mastering them can take your English from good to great.
Did you know?
"Let it slide" = "Don't worry about it."
"Let her off the hook" = "Don't give her any consequences for her actions."
Don't let it get to you" = "Don't let it bother you."
What is a phrasal verb?
Examples
Give up (give + up) = to quit
Look after (look + after) = to take care of someone/something
So, why should you learn them? Because phrasal verbs help you:
Express yourself more naturally
Understand native speakers better
Add variety and depth to your English
There are hundreds of them — but we'll focus on how the small, powerful verb "let" can lead to big improvements in your fluency.
1. Let in
Ever stood at the door and decided whether to share your space — or your secrets? That’s when you might let someone in.
Meanings
1. Allow someone to enter a place
I forgot my keys, so she let me in through the back door.
2. Open up emotionally and share your feelings
It took him months to let me in and tell me what was bothering him.
3. Let someone in on (something) = share a secret or plan
They finally let me in on the surprise party plans.
Quiz time!
In which sentence is the phrasal verb “let in” used correctly?
A. She didn’t want to let in the secret to anyone.
B. The teacher let the students in after the bell rang.
C. I asked him to let in the noise from outside.
D. He promised to never let in on the surprise party.
Quiz
In which sentence is the phrasal verb “let in” used correctly?
A is incorrect → You "let someone in on" a secret. B is correct → The teacher allows the students to enter the classroom. C is incorrect → It's better to ask him to "keep out" the noise. D is incorrect→ A person is missing from the phrase. It should say "let anyone in on" the surprise party.
Did you know?
"Let in" is a separable phrasal verb, so you can put a noun between the verb and the preposition.
2. Let down
Ever counted on someone, only to feel completely…well, let down?
Meanings
To disappoint someone/fail to support them (this figurative sense is much more common in everyday conversation)
I was counting on you to help with the presentation, but you really let me down.
Don’t let your friends down when they need you the most.
To physically lower something or someone
4. Let on
Quiz
Fill in the blanks: After forgetting his part in the project, the manager decided to _______, giving him another chance to fix it.
Let off is correct because it means excusing someone from punishment or responsibility — here, the manager gives him a break despite the mistake.
5. Let out
Whether it’s a laugh, a secret, or a tenant — sometimes you just need to let it out.
Meanings
Allow someone to leave a place
The guard let us out after the concert ended.
Produce a sound
She let out a loud scream when she saw the spider.
Offer a place for rent
6. Let up
When the rain (or trouble) starts, you just hope it will let up.
Meaning
To decrease in intensity or become less severe
The teacher is giving us so much homework — she never lets up! (figurative: pressure, demands)
The storm didn’t let up until late at night.
Final Challenge Quiz
Which sentences use a let phrasal verb correctly?
A. She promised not to let on about the surprise party.
B. The teacher let the students off by giving them more homework.
C. It took him months to let me in about his fear of flying.
D. The heatwave finally let up after many hot days.
Quiz
Which sentences use a "let" phrasal verb correctly? Choose all that apply.
A is correct → let on = reveal a secret (she promised not to tell). B is incorrect → let off = excuse/release someone from punishment or duty, not “give them more work.” C is correct → let in on = opening up about a secret. D is correct → let up = decrease in intensity (like rain).
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This Byte has been authored by
Valentina Poiana
Instructional Designer
Master's of Linguistics