What Does “Let sb in on sth” Mean?
“Let sb in on sth” means to share secret or private information with someone. It implies giving someone access to knowledge that was previously hidden or exclusive.
Introduction
The phrase “Let sb in on sth” is a common English phrasal verb used when you want to talk about sharing a secret or confidential information with someone. The “sb” stands for “somebody,” and “sth” means “something,” which helps us understand the structure of this phrase. When you let someone in on something, you trust them enough to reveal private details or plans. This phrase is useful in everyday conversations, especially when discussing trust, secrets, or plans. Understanding the “Let sb in on sth meaning” will help you use it correctly in various contexts, whether informal or formal.
Quick Info Box
- Phrasal verb: Let somebody in on something
- Type: Transitive
- Level: B2 (Upper-Intermediate)
- Short meaning: To share secret or private information with someone
Structure (Grammar Rules)
“Let sb in on sth” is a separable phrasal verb. You can place the indirect object (sb) between “let” and “in on,” or after the whole phrasal verb.
- Let + somebody + in on + something (most common)
- Let + in on + something + somebody (less common and sounds formal)
Examples:
- She let me in on the secret.
- They let us in on their plans.
How to Use “Let sb in on sth”?
Use this phrase when you want to express that someone is being given access to confidential or private information. It often implies trust or inclusion in a special group. You can use it in different tenses, but the basic structure remains the same.
Example structures:
- Let + sb + in on + sth (present)
- Let + sb + in on + sth (past)
- Will + let + sb + in on + sth (future)
Examples
Imagine your friend has a surprise party planned. If they tell you about it, they are letting you in on the secret.
- My sister let me in on her plan to surprise our parents.
- The manager let the team in on the new project details.
- Can you let me in on the joke? I don’t understand it.
- She didn’t let anyone in on her real feelings.
- They let us in on the company’s future strategy during the meeting.
Here is “Let sb in on sth in a sentence”: She let me in on the secret to her success.
Common Mistakes
People sometimes confuse the order of words or use the phrase incorrectly. Here are some examples:
- Incorrect: Let in me on the plan.
Correct: Let me in on the plan. - Incorrect: Let me on in the secret.
Correct: Let me in on the secret. - Incorrect: Let me in the secret.
Correct: Let me in on the secret.
Remember, “in on” always comes together, and you must place the person (sb) right after “let.”
Differences / Synonyms
There are similar phrases like “fill sb in on sth” and “share sth with sb,” but they differ slightly.
- Fill sb in on sth: To give someone detailed information about something they missed. It’s more about updating someone.
- Share sth with sb: More general, not necessarily secret or confidential.
“Let sb in on sth” usually implies sharing secret or exclusive information, while “fill sb in” means bringing someone up to date.
Common Collocations
You often hear “let sb in on” followed by words related to secrets, plans, information, or ideas.
- Secret – private or hidden information
- Plan – a scheme or idea to do something
- Information – facts or data
- Details – specific parts of a bigger picture
- Joke – something funny that might be exclusive
Related Phrasal Verbs
Here are related phrasal verbs of let sb in on sth:
Real-life Dialogue
Here is a short conversation using “let sb in on sth”:
Anna: Hey, do you know about the surprise party for John?
Ben: No, I don’t. Can you let me in on it?
Anna: Sure! It’s happening this Saturday at 7 pm at his house.
Practice
Try to complete the sentences with the correct form of “let sb in on sth”:
- She ______ me ______ her secret recipe yesterday.
- They will ______ us ______ the new project details next week.
- Can you ______ me ______ what happened at the meeting?
- He didn’t ______ anyone ______ his plans.
FAQs
- Q: Can I use “let sb in on sth” in formal writing?
A: It’s mostly informal but can be used in semi-formal contexts. - Q: Is “let sb in on sth” separable?
A: Yes, you can separate “let” and “in on” by placing the person in between. - Q: What does “sb” and “sth” mean?
A: “sb” means somebody, “sth” means something. - Q: Can it be used in passive voice?
A: It is rarely used in passive form. - Q: Is it different from “tell sb”?
A: Yes, “let sb in on sth” implies sharing secret or exclusive info, while “tell sb” is more general.
