Master 8 Common Phrasal Verbs with LET

In English, phrasal verbs with LET are extremely common in everyday communication. They are used to talk about permission, control, release, secrets, responsibility, and change. Understanding how these expressions work will help you sound more natural and accurate when speaking or writing English.

In this lesson, you’ll learn a carefully selected list of common phrasal verbs with LET, complete with clear meanings, natural examples, pronunciation, and grammar notes. You’ll also practice using them through dialogues designed for real-life situations.

List of Common Phrasal Verbs with LET

Here are the most essential phrasal verbs with let that you’ll encounter in daily conversation and professional communication:

Common phrasal verbs with let including let down, let in, let in on, let off, let on, let out, let past, and let up

Let down
Let in
Let in on
Let off
Let on
Let out
Let past
Let up

Phrasal Verbs with LET: Meaning and Examples

Below is a comprehensive breakdown of each phrasal verb with let, organized with clear meanings, real-world examples, and essential grammar rules.

Let down

/let daʊn/ transitiveseparable

📖 To disappoint someone or fail to meet their expectations.

She felt her team let her down during the final presentation.

🔄 Synonyms: DisappointFailBetray

Let in

/let ɪn/ transitiveseparable

📖 To allow someone or something to enter a place.

Please let in the guests after checking their invitations.

🔄 Synonyms: Allow inAdmitWelcome

Let in on

/let ɪn ɒn/ transitiveinseparable

📖 To share secret or confidential information with someone.

She finally let her colleagues in on the plan.

🔄 Synonyms: InformReveal toConfide

Let off

/let ɒf/ transitiveseparable

📖 To excuse someone from punishment or blame.

The police let him off with a warning.

🔄 Synonyms: ExcuseForgivePardon

The first four phrasal verbs with let demonstrate how this verb expresses disappointment, permission, revelation, and forgiveness. “Let down” focuses on failed expectations, “let in” on granting access, “let in on” on sharing secrets, and “let off” on excusing from responsibility. These foundational verbs establish core meanings of control and disclosure.

Let on

/let ɒn/ intransitiveinseparable

📖 To reveal information, often indirectly or unintentionally.

He didn’t let on that he knew about the surprise.

🔄 Synonyms: HintGive awayReveal

Let out

/let aʊt/ transitiveseparable

📖 1 To release someone or something from confinement.

The guards let out the prisoners at dawn.

📖 2 To make clothing larger.

The tailor let out the dress slightly.

📖 3 To express a sound suddenly.

She let out a scream when she saw the spider.

🔄 Synonyms: ReleaseRevealEmit

Let past

/let pɑːst/ transitiveseparable

📖 To allow someone to pass by or move forward.

He stepped aside to let her past.

🔄 Synonyms: Allow to passMove aside for

Let up

/let ʌp/ intransitiveinseparable

📖 To become weaker or stop.

The rain finally let up in the afternoon.

🔄 Synonyms: EaseDiminishPause

Common Mistakes with Phrasal Verbs with LET

Learners often confuse similar phrasal verbs with let. Here are three common mistakes and how to correct them:

❌ Wrong “I let in on the secret to everyone.” (Incorrect—wrong phrasal verb structure)

✅ Correct “I let everyone in on the secret.” OR “I revealed the secret to everyone.” (Correct—proper placement of object with let in on)

❌ Wrong “The storm let down finally.” (Incorrect—confuses let down with let up)

✅ Correct “The storm let up finally.” OR “The wind died down.” (Correct—let up means the weather becomes calmer)

❌ Wrong “He didn’t let in that he was scared.” (Incorrect—wrong phrasal verb)

✅ Correct “He didn’t let on that he was scared.” OR “He didn’t reveal that he was scared.” (Correct—let on means to reveal or hint)

Key Grammar Notes

Dialogue Examples with Phrasal Verbs with LET

💬 Friends Discussing a Surprise Party

Alex: I need your help with something, but you can’t let on to Jordan.
Sam: What is it? I’m all ears.
Alex: We’re planning a surprise birthday party for Jordan next week.
Sam: That sounds amazing! Why didn’t you let me in on this earlier?
Alex: I’m sorry—I couldn’t risk you accidentally letting it slip. The boss might have let something out.
Sam: Don’t worry, your secret is safe with me. I won’t let you down.
Alex: Thanks so much. The moment Jordan arrives at the venue, the rain better let up so we can set up outside.
Sam: Either way, I’m excited. When do I need to let myself in to help with decorations?
Alex: Come by Saturday at noon. Thanks again for being reliable.
Sam: Anytime, buddy. I won’t let you down on this.

Level up your English!

Now that you’ve mastered these expressions, it’s time to explore even more. Check out these related lessons to build a more versatile vocabulary:

👉 Phrasal Verbs with KEEP | Phrasal Verbs with GIVE | Phrasal Verbs with GET

👉 Download the PDF of phrasal verbs with LET to study offline and boost your fluency faster.