Cool MateAllow vs Authorize vs Do we let him stay vs Grant vs Permit
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
Allow
Top 1,000 (very common)A2verb
Authorize
FormalTop 2,000 (common)C1verb
Do we let him stay
Top 1,000 (very common)
Grant
FormalTop 2,000 (common)B2verb
Permit
Top 2,000 (common)B2verb
| Allow | Authorize | Do we let him stay | Grant | Permit | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 /["/əˈlaʊ/","/əˈlaʊz/","/əˈlaʊd/","/əˈlaʊɪŋ/"]/🇺🇸 /["/əˈlaʊ/","/əˈlaʊz/","/əˈlaʊd/","/əˈlaʊɪŋ/"]/ | 🇬🇧 /["/ˈɔːθəraɪz/","/ˈɔːθəraɪzɪz/","/ˈɔːθəraɪzd/","/ˈɔːθəraɪzɪŋ/"]/🇺🇸 /["/ˈɔːθəraɪz/","/ˈɔːθəraɪzɪz/","/ˈɔːθəraɪzd/","/ˈɔːθəraɪzɪŋ/"]/ | 🇬🇧 //lɛt hɪm steɪ//🇺🇸 //lɛt hɪm steɪ// | 🇬🇧 /["/ɡrɑːnt/","/ɡrɑːnts/","/ˈɡrɑːntɪd/","/ˈɡrɑːntɪŋ/"]/🇺🇸 /["/ɡrænt/","/ɡrænts/","/ˈɡræntɪd/","/ˈɡræntɪŋ/"]/ | 🇬🇧 /["/pəˈmɪt/","/pəˈmɪts/","/pəˈmɪtɪd/","/pəˈmɪtɪŋ/"]/🇺🇸 /["/pərˈmɪt/","/pərˈmɪts/","/pərˈmɪtɪd/","/pərˈmɪtɪŋ/"]/ |
| Meaning | to let someone do something | To give permission or power to do something. | Allow him to remain. | To give something, especially officially. | To allow something to happen. |
| Example | Please allow me to explain my point of view. | I can authorize payments up to £5 000. | Do we let him stay for dinner? | The teacher decided to grant the students extra time for their assignment. | The teacher will permit students to leave early if they finish their exams on time. |
| Register | Neutral | Formal | Neutral | Formal | Neutral |
| How common | Top 1,000 (very common) | Top 2,000 (common) | Top 1,000 (very common) | Top 2,000 (common) | Top 2,000 (common) |
| CEFR level | A2 | C1 | - | B2 | B2 |
| Part of speech | verb | verb | verb | verb | |
| Collocations | allow access, allow time, allow someone to do something, allow for mistakes, allow room | authorize access, authorize a transaction, authorize a request, authorize changes | let someone stay, let him stay, let them stay | expressly, specifically, automatically, agree to, decide to, refuse to, expressly, specifically, automatically, agree to, decide to, refuse to | legally, generally, normally, refuse to, be designed to, legally, generally, normally, refuse to, be designed to |
| Antonyms | forbid, prohibit, restrict | prohibit, forbid, disallow | - | revoke, withhold | forbid, prohibit, ban |
| Common mistakes | Using 'allow' without an object (e.g., say 'allow me to help' instead of just 'allow')., Confusing 'allow' with 'let' - 'let' is more informal., Mixing up the structure, such as omitting 'to' before the verb. | Confusing 'authorize' with 'authentic' as they have different meanings., Using 'authorize' without an object when it needs one (e.g., 'authorize access' not just 'authorize')., Mixing up 'authorize' with 'permit', which can have slightly different uses. | Confusing 'let' with 'allow' in formal contexts., Using the wrong verb form after 'let'., Overusing in formal writing. | Confused with 'granted' which is the past tense., Using 'grant' without an object., Mixing up 'grant' with 'gift', thinking they are interchangeable. | Confused with 'allow' - 'permit' is often more formal., Using 'permit' incorrectly in passive voice without clear subject., Using 'permit' without an object, forgetting what is being permitted. |
| Usage notes | Use 'allow' in contexts where you are giving permission. It's appropriate in both spoken and written English, but for severe situations or commands, consider using stronger words like 'permit'. Avoid using it in very casual exchanges. | Use 'authorize' in formal settings when discussing permission or approval, such as in business, law, or official documents. Avoid in casual conversations. | Use 'let' in informal contexts to indicate permission; it's less formal than 'permit'. | Typically used in formal contexts such as legal or educational settings. Avoid in casual conversations. | Use 'permit' in formal contexts, such as legal or official situations. It's less common in casual conversation, where 'let' might be more appropriate. |
See it in real clips
Frequently asked questions: Allow vs Authorize vs Do we let him stay vs Grant vs Permit
What's the difference between Allow, Authorize, Do we let him stay, Grant, and Permit?
Allow: to let someone do something Authorize: To give permission or power to do something. Do we let him stay: Allow him to remain. Grant: To give something, especially officially. Permit: To allow something to happen.
Which is more advanced: Allow, Authorize, Do we let him stay, Grant, and Permit?
Authorize is the highest level, at C1, on the CEFR scale.
Can you show an example of each?
Allow: Please allow me to explain my point of view. Authorize: I can authorize payments up to £5 000. Do we let him stay: Do we let him stay for dinner? Grant: The teacher decided to grant the students extra time for their assignment. Permit: The teacher will permit students to leave early if they finish their exams on time.
Can I use Allow, Authorize, Do we let him stay, Grant, and Permit interchangeably?
Not always. Allow, Authorize, Do we let him stay, Grant, and Permit are related and overlap in some contexts, but they differ in register, how common they are, and usage, so swapping one for another can change the meaning or tone. Check the differences above before substituting.