let into: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2informal to neutral
Quick answer
What does “let into” mean?
To allow someone to enter a place.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
To allow someone to enter a place; to admit someone.
To initiate someone into knowledge of a secret or private matter; to allow a part or object to be fitted into another.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Both varieties use the phrase similarly. The physical 'let in' (open a door) is slightly more common in UK speech. The construction sense ('let a panel into a door') is equally technical.
Connotations
Slightly stronger sense of initiation/secrecy in the figurative use in British English. In American English, the phrase can sound slightly more literal or direct.
Frequency
Medium-low frequency in both varieties. More common in spoken than formal written English.
Grammar
How to Use “let into” in a Sentence
Subject + let + Object (person/thing) + into + NP (place/secret)Subject + let + Object (thing) + into + NP (other thing) (construction)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “let into” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The butler reluctantly let the detective into the library.
- I shouldn't really let you into this, but the party's a surprise.
- You need to let the new shelf supports into the wall properly.
American English
- The guard wouldn't let us into the backstage area.
- He finally let me into his confidence about the project.
- The instructions say to let the hinge into the door frame.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. 'They won't let us into the merger talks.'
Academic
Very rare. Used only in a metaphorical sense.
Everyday
Common. 'I'll let you into the house; just ring the bell.' 'She let me into her plans.'
Technical
In carpentry/joinery: 'The craftsman let the brass plate into the wood.'
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “let into”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “let into”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “let into”
- *She let me into know the secret. (Incorrect; omit 'know')
- *They let into the house me. (Incorrect word order; object pronoun must come directly after 'let')
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. You can say 'let someone into a place' or 'let them in'. However, for the figurative meaning (secrets), it is less commonly separated ('let someone into the secret' is standard).
'Let into' is broader: physical entry or initiation into knowledge. 'Let in on' is specifically for sharing secrets, plans, or privileged information (e.g., 'let me in on the joke').
Yes. For example: 'The doctor let him into the bad news gently.' It means 'informed him of' or 'made him aware of'.
'Let into the house' is correct when specifying the destination. 'Let in' alone means to allow entry, but the destination is implied or stated elsewhere (e.g., 'Come in, I'll let you in').
To allow someone to enter a place.
Let into is usually informal to neutral in register.
Let into: in British English it is pronounced /lɛt ˈɪn.tuː/, and in American English it is pronounced /lɛt ˈɪn.tu/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “let someone into the picture”
- “let someone into the loop”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a LETTER (someone) being ALLOWED INTO a secret club. 'LET the letter INTO the club.'
Conceptual Metaphor
KNOWLEDGE/TRUST IS A CONTAINER (to be let into); ACCESS IS PHYSICAL ENTRY.
Practice
Quiz
In the context of carpentry, what does 'let into' mean?