Cool MateAllow vs Make this possible
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
Allow
Top 1,000 (very common)A2verb
Make this possible
Top 2,000 (common)
Most common: Allow
| Allow | Make this possible | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 /["/əˈlaʊ/","/əˈlaʊz/","/əˈlaʊd/","/əˈlaʊɪŋ/"]/🇺🇸 /["/əˈlaʊ/","/əˈlaʊz/","/əˈlaʊd/","/əˈlaʊɪŋ/"]/ | 🇬🇧 //meɪk ðɪs ˈpɒsəbl//🇺🇸 //meɪk ðɪs ˈpɑːsəbl// |
| Meaning | to let someone do something | To do something that can be done. |
| Example | Please allow me to explain my point of view. | We need to make this possible for everyone to attend. |
| 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 | make it possible, make this happen, make possibilities, make something possible |
| 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. | Confusing 'make' with 'do' in this context., Using 'makes' instead of 'make' for a plural subject., Not using 'this' to refer to a specific situation. |
| 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 when expressing the ability or feasibility of an action. Suitable for both formal and informal contexts, but be careful not to sound too demanding. |
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Frequently asked questions: Allow vs Make this possible
What's the difference between Allow and Make this possible?
Allow: to let someone do something Make this possible: To do something that can be done.
Which is more common: Allow and Make this possible?
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. Make this possible: We need to make this possible for everyone to attend.
Can I use Allow and Make this possible interchangeably?
Not always. Allow and Make this possible 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.