Master 8 Common Phrasal Verbs with LET: Meanings, Examples & Exercises

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 and exercises designed for real-life situations.

List of Common Phrasal Verbs with LET

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

Phrasal Verbs with LET: Meaning and Examples

Let down

🔊 Pronunciation: /let daʊn/

📖 Meaning: To disappoint someone or fail to meet their expectations.

📝 Example: She felt her team let her down during the final presentation.

💡 Grammar Note: Transitive – Separable

🔄 Synonyms: Disappoint, Fail

Let in

🔊 Pronunciation: /let ɪn/

📖 Meaning: To allow someone or something to enter a place.

📝 Example: Please let in the guests after checking their invitations.

💡 Grammar Note: Transitive – Separable

🔄 Synonyms: Allow in, Admit

Let in on

🔊 Pronunciation: /let ɪn ɒn/

📖 Meaning: To share secret or confidential information with someone.

📝 Example: She finally let her colleagues in on the plan.

💡 Grammar Note: Transitive – Inseparable (Let someone in on something)

🔄 Synonyms: Inform, Reveal to

Let off

🔊 Pronunciation: /let ɒf/

📖 Meaning: To excuse someone from punishment or blame.

📝 Example: The police let him off with a warning.

💡 Grammar Note: Transitive – Separable

🔄 Synonyms: Excuse, Forgive

Let on

🔊 Pronunciation: /let ɒn/

📖 Meaning: To reveal information, often indirectly or unintentionally.

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

💡 Grammar Note: Intransitive – Inseparable

🔄 Synonyms: Hint, Give away

Let out

🔊 Pronunciation: /let aʊt/

📖 Meaning 1: To release someone or something from confinement.

📝 Example: The guards let out the prisoners at dawn.

📖 Meaning 2: To make clothing larger.

📝 Example: The tailor let out the dress slightly.

📖 Meaning 3: To express a sound suddenly.

📝 Example: She let out a scream when she saw the spider.

💡 Grammar Note: Transitive – Separable

🔄 Synonyms: Release, Reveal, Emit

Let past

🔊 Pronunciation: /let pɑːst/

📖 Meaning: To allow someone to pass.

📝 Example: He stepped aside to let her past.

💡 Grammar Note: Transitive – Separable

Let up

🔊 Pronunciation: /let ʌp/

📖 Meaning: To become weaker or stop.

📝 Example: The rain finally let up in the afternoon.

💡 Grammar Note: Intransitive – Inseparable

Dialogue Examples with Phrasal Verbs with LET

Dialogue 1

A: Are you going to tell them about the merger?
B: Not yet. I don’t want to let on too early.

Dialogue 2

A: Why are you upset?
B: I feel like they really let me down this time.

Exercises with Answers

Exercise: Fill in the blanks

1. She didn’t __________ that she already knew the truth.
2. Please __________ the guests when they arrive.
3. They finally __________ him __________ the secret.
4. The storm __________ after midnight.
5. The guard refused to __________ anyone __________.

Answer Key

1. 1. let on
   2. let in
   3. let / in on
   4. let up
   5. let / in

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What is the difference between “let in” and “let in on”?
A: Let in means to allow someone to enter a place. Let in on means to share secret information.

Q: Is “let on” always unintentional?
A: Often yes, especially in negative or question forms, but it can also be intentional.

Conclusion

Mastering phrasal verbs with LET will help you express ideas about permission, control, and disclosure more naturally. Practice them in context, and don’t forget to review similar lessons like

• Phrasal Verbs with KEEP
• Phrasal Verbs with GIVE

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