1 A2 neutral
To open a door or barrier to allow a person to enter.
"Could you let the guests in? I'm still getting ready."
separable
let in
A2 neutral separable transitive
To allow someone or something to enter a place, or to allow light, water, or air to pass through.
In plain English
To open the door or make space for someone or something to come inside.
What does "let in" mean?
3 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 A2 neutral
To allow light, water, air, or another substance to pass through a gap or material.
"The old roof was letting in rain every time there was a storm."
inseparable
3 B1 neutral
To admit someone to a school, club, or organisation.
"She was let in to the prestigious acting school on her second application."
separable
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To open a door or create a gap so something can come in.
Actually means
To open the door or make space for someone or something to come inside.
Usage tip
Very common in everyday speech. Used literally for opening doors and figuratively for admitting someone to a group, secret, or experience. Also used when a material allows light or water through.
Words that pair with "let in"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
light cold air guest visitor stranger water
How to conjugate "let in"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
let in
I/you/we/they
3rd person
lets in
he/she/it
Past simple
let in
yesterday
Past participle
let in
have + pp
-ing form
letting in
continuous
Hear "let in" in the wild
Listen to native speakers using "let in" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
Other ways to say "let in"
Swap in when you want variety — tap a linked one to explore it.
Keep exploring
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