Cool MateAllow vs Pass vs Permit
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
Allow
Top 1,000 (very common)A2verb
Pass
Top 1,000 (very common)A2verb
Permit
Top 2,000 (common)B2verb
| Allow | Pass | Permit | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 /["/əˈlaʊ/","/əˈlaʊz/","/əˈlaʊd/","/əˈlaʊɪŋ/"]/🇺🇸 /["/əˈlaʊ/","/əˈlaʊz/","/əˈlaʊd/","/əˈlaʊɪŋ/"]/ | 🇬🇧 /["/pɑːs/","/ˈpɑːsɪz/","/pɑːst/","/ˈpɑːsɪŋ/"]/🇺🇸 /["/pæs/","/ˈpæsɪz/","/pæst/","/ˈpæsɪŋ/"]/ | 🇬🇧 /["/pəˈmɪt/","/pəˈmɪts/","/pəˈmɪtɪd/","/pəˈmɪtɪŋ/"]/🇺🇸 /["/pərˈmɪt/","/pərˈmɪts/","/pərˈmɪtɪd/","/pərˈmɪtɪŋ/"]/ |
| Meaning | to let someone do something | To move past something or someone, or to allow something to happen. | To allow something to happen. |
| Example | Please allow me to explain my point of view. | I will pass the ball to you during the game. | The teacher will permit students to leave early if they finish their exams on time. |
| Register | Neutral | Neutral | Neutral |
| How common | Top 1,000 (very common) | Top 1,000 (very common) | Top 2,000 (common) |
| CEFR level | A2 | A2 | B2 |
| Part of speech | verb | verb | verb |
| Collocations | allow access, allow time, allow someone to do something, allow for mistakes, allow room | quickly, rapidly, soon, help (to), quickly, rapidly, soon, help (to), unanimously, overwhelmingly, narrowly, by… to…, peacefully, come to, let something, between, pass unnoticed | legally, generally, normally, refuse to, be designed to, legally, generally, normally, refuse to, be designed to |
| Antonyms | forbid, prohibit, restrict | stop, hold, block | 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 'pass' with 'past' in writing., Using 'pass' without an object when it requires one., Mixing up the different meanings of 'pass' in verbal contexts. | 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. | Commonly used in both casual and formal contexts. Can refer to physical movement or to allowing someone to take a turn (e.g., in games). Not typically used in very formal writing when describing decisions. | Use 'permit' in formal contexts, such as legal or official situations. It's less common in casual conversation, where 'let' might be more appropriate. |
Frequently asked questions: Allow vs Pass vs Permit
What's the difference between Allow, Pass, and Permit?
Allow: to let someone do something Pass: To move past something or someone, or to allow something to happen. Permit: To allow something to happen.
Are Allow, Pass, and Permit the same CEFR level?
Allow: A2, Pass: A2, Permit: B2 on the CEFR scale.
Can I use Allow, Pass, and Permit interchangeably?
Not always. Allow, Pass, 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.