Meaning trap

let out

make a sound (e.g. a scream, sigh)

To suddenly make a loud or noticeable sound, such as a scream, sigh, or laugh.

phrasal verbB2occasional

Don't mix these meanings

Same phrase, different job.

make a sound (e.g. a scream, sigh)

To suddenly make a loud or noticeable sound, such as a scream, sigh, or laugh.

let out (allow someone to leave a place)

Another meaning of 'let out' is 'allow someone to leave a place'; compare the examples to keep the meanings separate.

Notice where the phrase sounds natural.

She let out a sigh of relief when she heard the good news.communication
When I saw my exam results, I couldn’t help but let out a big laugh because I was so surprised.IELTS speaking

Pattern: let out + noun (a sound)

WrongHe let out of a sigh.

RightHe let out a sigh.

'Let out + a sound' directly — no 'of'.

Patternlet out + noun (a sound)

Choose the version that sounds natural in speech.

Stiff She emitted a loud scream of surprise.

Natural She let out a scream.

'Let out (a scream/sigh)' is the natural collocation. 'Emitted a scream' is clinical.

Words that usually travel with it.

'Let out' focuses on the action of releasing a sound, not just making it.

let out (allow someone to leave a place) — Another meaning of 'let out' is 'allow someone to leave a place'; compare the examples to keep the meanings separate.