Cool MateAllow vs Let __ go yesterday
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
Allow
Top 1,000 (very common)A2verb
Let __ go yesterday
Top 2,000 (common)
Most common: Allow
| Allow | Let __ go yesterday | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 /["/əˈlaʊ/","/əˈlaʊz/","/əˈlaʊd/","/əˈlaʊɪŋ/"]/🇺🇸 /["/əˈlaʊ/","/əˈlaʊz/","/əˈlaʊd/","/əˈlaʊɪŋ/"]/ | 🇬🇧 //lɛt ˈɡəʊ//🇺🇸 //lɛt ɡoʊ// |
| Meaning | to let someone do something | To allow someone to leave or be free. |
| Example | Please allow me to explain my point of view. | I had to let him go yesterday after our discussion. |
| Register | Neutral | Neutral |
| How common | Top 1,000 (very common) | Top 2,000 (common) |
| CEFR level | A2 | - |
| Part of speech | verb | |
| Collocations | allow access, allow time, allow someone to do something, allow for mistakes, allow room | let someone go, let go of control, let it go, let things go, let go of the past |
| Antonyms | forbid, prohibit, restrict | - |
| 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. | Confused with 'leave' as a more formal alternative., Using 'let' without an object., Incorrectly using past tense with 'let' in ongoing situations. |
| 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 'let go' with permission contexts. Avoid in formal writing, as it can sound too casual. |
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Frequently asked questions: Allow vs Let __ go yesterday
What's the difference between Allow and Let __ go yesterday?
Allow: to let someone do something Let __ go yesterday: To allow someone to leave or be free.
Which is more common: Allow and Let __ go yesterday?
Allow is the most common in everyday English.
Can you show an example of each?
Allow: Please allow me to explain my point of view. Let __ go yesterday: I had to let him go yesterday after our discussion.
Can I use Allow and Let __ go yesterday interchangeably?
Not always. Allow and Let __ go yesterday 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.