English Reference

Phrasal verb

let off

Irregular verb

Forms

Infinitive

let off

Past

let off

Past participle

let off

Definition

phrasal verb. to allow someone to go without a punishment, or with a very small one, after they have done something wrong.

phrasal verb. to excuse someone from a penalty or to impose a lighter punishment than is standard. Transitive; frequently occurs with the preposition 'with' to denote the specific leniency shown.

Examples

“The teacher let me off because I said sorry.”

“Since it was his first time being late, his boss decided to let him off with just a verbal warning.”

“Despite the severity of the breach, the regulatory body chose to let the firm off, citing their proactive cooperation during the investigation.”

Examples

simple

“The teacher let me off because I said sorry.”

contextual

“Since it was his first time being late, his boss decided to let him off with just a verbal warning.”

complex

“Despite the severity of the breach, the regulatory body chose to let the firm off, citing their proactive cooperation during the investigation.”

Usage

This phrase often pairs with 'with' to name the light punishment received instead of a heavy one.

Teaching tip

Contrast with 'get away with' to clarify that 'let off' requires the person to be caught first.

Pitfall

The police let off him.

The police let him off.

If the object is a pronoun, it must be placed between the verb and the particle.

Phrasal verb

Particles

off

Separability

optional

Pattern

let + object + off

Synonyms

pardonexcusespareforgive

Antonyms

punishfinecharge

Word family

VERB

NOUN

PHRASAL VERB

let off(B2)

Grammar

Phrasal verbs (introduction)

Domain

Engineering

This entry

Exam level
CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
Frequency
Very common
Level
B2 · Upper Intermediate
Updated

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