What are the definitions of “let off”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Not punish.
The judge LET him OFF with a fine rather than a prison sentence since it was his first offence.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “let off”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb let off is to not punish someone or to give someone a less severe punishment than expected. For example, a teacher might let off a student with a warning instead of giving them detention.
What are the different verb forms of “let off”?
| Root Verb | let off |
| Third Person Singular Present | lets off |
| Present Participle | letting off |
| Simple Past | let off |
| Past Participle | let off |
Example
The teacher let off the student with a warning.
Example
She lets off her younger brother when he makes mistakes.
Example
He is letting off his friend with a warning this time.
Example
Yesterday, the judge let off the defendant with a fine.
Example
The first-time offender was let off with a warning.
What kind of phrasal verb is “let off”?
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 off” 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
The teacher let off the student with a warning.
Example
The judge let the defendant off with a fine.
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 off” 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
The teacher let off the student with a warning.
Example
The judge let the defendant off with a fine.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “let off”?
Good things to know
Does “let off” have an informal or formal tone?
Let off is a neutral to informal phrasal verb. It is commonly used in everyday conversations and can be used in more formal settings depending on the context. However, in legal or professional situations, more formal terms like 'acquit' or 'exonerate' might be more appropriate.
