Language/English/Vocabulary/Allow,-permit-and-let
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Allow, permit and let
Allow and Permit[edit | edit source]
These words have similar meanings and uses. Permit is more formal. Both words can be followed by object + infinitive.
Examples:
- We do not allow/permit people to smoke in the kitchen.
When there is no personal object, an -ing form is used after allow/permit.
Example:
- We do not allow/permit smoking in the kitchen.
Passive structures are common; personal subjects and gerund {-ing form) subjects are both possible.
Examples:
- People are not allowed/permitted to smoke in the kitchen.
- Smoking is not allowed/permitted in the kitchen.
- Due to the current curfew, people are not allowed/permitted on the street after 9pm.
- Due to the current curfew, walking in the street is not allowed/permitted after 9pm.
The passive structure with "it" is only possible with permit.
Example:
- It is not permitted to smoke in the kitchen. (but not:
It is not allowed to smoke in the kitchen)
Allow, but not permit, can be used with adverb particles.
Example:
- She wouldn’t allow me in.
- Emily isn’t allowed out at night.
Let[edit | edit source]
Let is the least formal of these three words, and is followed by object + infinitive without to.
Compare:
- Please allow me to buy you a drink, (polite and formal)
- Let me buy you a drink, (friendly and informal)
Let is not usually used in the passive.
Example:
- I wasn’t allowed to pay for the drinks, (not I wasn't let)
Let can be used with adverb particles; passives are possible in this case.
Example:
- She wouldn't let me in.
- I’ve been let down.
Videos[edit | edit source]
ALLOW vs. LET - English Vocabulary Lesson - YouTube[edit | edit source]
English grammar tips: How to use "Allow", "Permit" and "Let" in a ...[edit | edit source]
How to allow 'Let' & 'Allow' with permissions? – English Grammar ...[edit | edit source]
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