What are the definitions of “let in on”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1To share or reveal information with someone.
But if I'm let in on this letter stuff, well, obviously it's privileged info which I can't talk about.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “let in on”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb let in on is to share or reveal secret or private information with someone. It means allowing someone to know something that is not widely known or is confidential.
What are the different verb forms of “let in on”?
| Root Verb | let in on |
| Third Person Singular Present | lets in on |
| Present Participle | letting in on |
| Simple Past | let in on |
| Past Participle | let in on |
Example
She let him in on the secret plan.
Example
He lets her in on the surprise party details.
Example
They are letting us in on their new business idea.
Example
Yesterday, she let me in on the gossip.
Example
I was let in on the secret by my best friend.
What kind of phrasal verb is “let in on”?
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 on” 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 him in on the secret.
Example
He let her in on the surprise party details.
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 on” 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 him in on the secret.
Example
He let her in on the surprise party details.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “let in on”?
Let someone in on a secret
To share confidential information with someone.
Example
She let him in on the secret about their boss.
Let someone in on a plan
To inform someone about a plan or strategy.
Example
He let her in on their plan to surprise their parents.
Let someone in on a joke
To explain the meaning of a joke or funny situation to someone.
Example
They let me in on the joke, and I finally understood why everyone was laughing.
Good things to know
Does “let in on” have an informal or formal tone?
Let in on is a neutral to informal phrasal verb. It is commonly used in everyday conversations and casual contexts. It may not be suitable for very formal settings, where more formal alternatives like 'inform' or 'reveal' might be preferred.
