What does the phrasal verb “let in” mean?

What are the definitions of “let in”?

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

• 1. Allow someone to enter.

  The doorstaff didn't LET him IN the nightclub because he was wearing jeans.

What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “let in”?

The most common meaning of the phrasal verb let in is to allow someone to enter a place, such as a building or a room. For example, it can mean opening the door for a guest, allowing a student into a classroom, or permitting someone to join a group or organization.

What are the different verb forms of “let in”?

Root Verb	let in
Third Person Singular Present	lets in
Present Participle	letting in
Simple Past	let in
Past Participle	let in

Example

Please let in the guests when they arrive.

Example

She lets in the cat every morning.

Example

He is letting in the delivery person to drop off the package.

Example

Yesterday, they let in the new members to the club.

Example

The door has been let in for the guests to enter.

What kind of phrasal verb is “let in”?

📝

Notes from a Native English Speaker

What is a transitive and intransitive verb?
- A transitive verb always has an object after it. (Example: Sam bought a car.)
- An intransitive verb never has an object.(Example: She laughed loudly.)

Transitive verb

“let in” is a transitive phrasal verb because it requires a direct object to complete its meaning. The direct object specifies what is being removed, obtained, or eliminated.

Example

She let in the guests when they arrived.

Example

He let the cat in through the back door.

📝

Notes from a Native English Speaker

What is a separable and inseparable phrasal verb?
- A “separable phrasal verb” can be separated with an object between the verb and particle.
- An “inseparable phrasal verb” cannot be separated by an object.

Inseparable

“let in” is an inseparable phrasal verb. This means that you can’t place an object between the verb and the particle, otherwise, it changes the meaning of the phrasal verb.

Example

She let in the guests when they arrived.

Example

He let the cat in through the back door.

What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “let in”?

Let someone in on a secret

To share confidential information with someone or allow them to participate in something exclusive.

Example

She let him in on the surprise party plans.

Let in light/air

To allow light or air to enter a space, usually by opening a window or door.

Example

Opening the curtains will let in more light.

Let in water

To allow water to enter a space, often unintentionally, such as through a leak or a gap.

Example

The broken pipe let in water, causing a flood in the basement.

Good things to know

Does “let in” have an informal or formal tone?

Let in is a neutral phrasal verb that can be used in both informal and formal contexts. It is appropriate for everyday conversations, as well as more formal settings, depending on the specific context.

What are synonyms of antonyms to the phrasal verb “let in”?

Synonyms

• admit
• allow
• permit
• welcome
• accept
• receive
• grant access

Antonyms for {keyword}

• exclude
• deny
• refuse
• reject
• bar
• ban
• keep out