Cool MateAllow vs Permit
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
Allow
Top 1,000 (very common)A2verb
Permit
Top 2,000 (common)B2verb
Most common: Allow
| Allow | Permit | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 /["/əˈlaʊ/","/əˈlaʊz/","/əˈlaʊd/","/əˈlaʊɪŋ/"]/🇺🇸 /["/əˈlaʊ/","/əˈlaʊz/","/əˈlaʊd/","/əˈlaʊɪŋ/"]/ | 🇬🇧 /["/pəˈmɪt/","/pəˈmɪts/","/pəˈmɪtɪd/","/pəˈmɪtɪŋ/"]/🇺🇸 /["/pərˈmɪt/","/pərˈmɪts/","/pərˈmɪtɪd/","/pərˈmɪtɪŋ/"]/ |
| Meaning | to let someone do something | To allow something to happen. |
| Example | Please allow me to explain my point of view. | The teacher will permit students to leave early if they finish their exams on time. |
| Register | Neutral | Neutral |
| How common | Top 1,000 (very common) | Top 2,000 (common) |
| CEFR level | A2 | B2 |
| Part of speech | verb | verb |
| Collocations | allow access, allow time, allow someone to do something, allow for mistakes, allow room | legally, generally, normally, refuse to, be designed to, legally, generally, normally, refuse to, be designed to |
| Antonyms | forbid, prohibit, restrict | 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. | 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 '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 Permit
What's the difference between Allow and Permit?
Allow: to let someone do something Permit: To allow something to happen.
Which is more common: Allow and Permit?
Allow is the most common in everyday English.
Are Allow and Permit the same CEFR level?
Allow: A2, Permit: B2 on the CEFR scale.
Can I use Allow and Permit interchangeably?
Not always. Allow 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.