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let in: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples

High (B1)
UK/ˈlet ɪn/US/ˈlɛt ɪn/

Neutral to Informal

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Quick answer

What does “let in” mean?

To allow someone or something to enter a place.

Audio

Pronunciation

Definition

Meaning and Definition

To allow someone or something to enter a place.

1. To admit someone to membership or participation. 2. To allow a substance (e.g., light, air, water) to enter. 3. To inadvertently reveal a secret.

Dialectal Variation

British vs American Usage

Differences

No significant differences in core meaning. Slight preference in the US for the separable pattern 'let [object] in' (let the guests in). UK usage may more commonly feature the passive 'to be let in'.

Connotations

Neutral in both. Can imply negligence when referring to unwanted elements ('The window lets in a draft').

Frequency

Equally frequent in both varieties.

Grammar

How to Use “let in” in a Sentence

[NP] let [NP] in[NP] let in [NP][NP] be let in

Vocabulary

Collocations

strong
let someone inlet in the lightlet in airlet in waterlet in on (a secret)
medium
let the dog inlet guests inlet the cold inlet oneself in (with a key)
weak
let the cat inlet him inlet ideas inlet hope in

Examples

Examples of “let in” in a Sentence

verb

British English

  • The bouncer refused to let us in without ID.
  • This old window lets in a terrible draught.
  • Shall I let the dog in from the garden?

American English

  • The security guard wouldn't let them in after hours.
  • The torn screen is letting in bugs.
  • Let me in! I forgot my key.

Usage

Meaning in Context

Business

'The new policy will let in more foreign investment.'

Academic

'The theory lets in the possibility of multiple interpretations.'

Everyday

'Can you let the cat in? It's raining.'

Technical

'The faulty seal is letting in moisture.'

Vocabulary

Synonyms of “let in”

Strong

usher inwelcome in

Neutral

admitallow ingrant entry to

Weak

open the door forgive access to

Vocabulary

Antonyms of “let in”

keep outlock outexcludebarshut out

Watch out

Common Mistakes When Using “let in”

  • *I let in him. (Correct: I let him in.)
  • *She let in the secret. (Correct: She let the secret out / She let him in on the secret.)
  • Confusing 'let in' with 'let into' (to involve).

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

'Let in' is more common in everyday speech and often implies a physical action (opening a door). 'Allow in' is slightly more formal and focuses on the permission itself.

Yes, e.g., 'letting in new ideas', 'letting in doubt', or 'letting someone in on a secret' (informing them).

Yes, this is a correct passive form. 'I was allowed in' is a more formal synonym.

The pronoun MUST go between the verb and the particle: 'let him in', 'let them in'. Saying 'let in him' is incorrect.

To allow someone or something to enter a place.

Let in is usually neutral to informal in register.

Let in: in British English it is pronounced /ˈlet ɪn/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈlɛt ɪn/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.

Phrases

Idioms & Phrases

  • “let someone in on the secret/plan/joke”
  • “let daylight in (to expose or illuminate)”

Learning

Memory Aids

Mnemonic

Imagine a LETter (mail) wanting to get INto your mailbox. You have to LET it IN.

Conceptual Metaphor

ACCESS IS ENTRY; KNOWLEDGE/IDEAS ARE LIGHT/AIR (letting in new ideas).

Practice

Quiz

Fill in the gap
The old seal had failed, water into the basement.
Multiple Choice

In which sentence is 'let in' used metaphorically?