Difference between revisions of "Language/English/Vocabulary/Allow,-permit-and-let"
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Prinadlezhu (talk | contribs) (→allows and permit: improved format, minor style corrections, and added examples) |
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<div style="font-size:300%;"> Allow, permit and let</div> | <div style="font-size:300%;"> Allow, permit and let</div> | ||
== | ==Allow and Permit== | ||
These words have similar meanings and uses. Permit is more formal. Both words can be followed by object + infinitive. | These words have similar meanings and uses. Permit is more formal. Both words can be followed by object + infinitive. | ||
| Line 7: | Line 7: | ||
Examples: | Examples: | ||
*We do not allow/permit people to smoke in the kitchen. | *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.''' | '''When there is no personal object, an -ing form is used after allow/permit.''' | ||
| Line 14: | Line 13: | ||
Example: | Example: | ||
*We do not allow/permit smoking in the kitchen. | *We do not allow/permit smoking in the kitchen. | ||
'''Passive structures are common; personal subjects and gerund {-ing form) subjects are both possible.''' | '''Passive structures are common; personal subjects and gerund {-ing form) subjects are both possible.''' | ||
| Line 26: | Line 24: | ||
*Smoking is not allowed/permitted 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. | |||
| Line 32: | Line 32: | ||
Example: | Example: | ||
*It is not permitted to smoke in the kitchen. (but not It is not allowed to smoke in the kitchen) | *It is not permitted to smoke in the kitchen. (but not: <s>It is not allowed to smoke in the kitchen</s>) | ||
| Line 40: | Line 40: | ||
Example: | Example: | ||
*She wouldn’t allow me in. Emily isn’t allowed out at night. | *She wouldn’t allow me in. | ||
*Emily isn’t allowed out at night. | |||
==Let== | ==Let== | ||
| Line 64: | Line 65: | ||
Example: | Example: | ||
*She wouldn't let me in. | *She wouldn't let me in. | ||
*I’ve been let down. | |||
Revision as of 18:57, 10 May 2020
Allow, permit and let
Allow and Permit
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
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.