Cool MateAuthorize vs Let him do that
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
Authorize
FormalTop 2,000 (common)C1verb
Let him do that
Top 2,000 (common)
Most formal: Authorize
| Authorize | Let him do that | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 /["/ˈɔːθəraɪz/","/ˈɔːθəraɪzɪz/","/ˈɔːθəraɪzd/","/ˈɔːθəraɪzɪŋ/"]/🇺🇸 /["/ˈɔːθəraɪz/","/ˈɔːθəraɪzɪz/","/ˈɔːθəraɪzd/","/ˈɔːθəraɪzɪŋ/"]/ | 🇬🇧 //lɛt hɪm duː ðæt//🇺🇸 //lɛt hɪm du ðæt// |
| Meaning | To give permission or power to do something. | Allow him to do that. |
| Example | I can authorize payments up to £5 000. | I will let him do that if he asks nicely. |
| Register | Formal | Neutral |
| How common | Top 2,000 (common) | Top 2,000 (common) |
| CEFR level | C1 | - |
| Part of speech | verb | |
| Collocations | authorize access, authorize a transaction, authorize a request, authorize changes | let him go, let her try, let them know, let me see, let us help |
| Antonyms | prohibit, forbid, disallow | - |
| Common mistakes | 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 'make' - 'let' is permission, 'make' is force., Using 'letting' incorrectly, as in 'let him doing that.', Omitting 'him' and saying 'let do that.' |
| Usage notes | Use 'authorize' in formal settings when discussing permission or approval, such as in business, law, or official documents. Avoid in casual conversations. | Used to give permission; suitable in informal or neutral contexts. Avoid in formal writing. |
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Frequently asked questions: Authorize vs Let him do that
What's the difference between Authorize and Let him do that?
Authorize: To give permission or power to do something. Let him do that: Allow him to do that.
Which is more formal: Authorize and Let him do that?
Authorize is the most formal of these.
Can you show an example of each?
Authorize: I can authorize payments up to £5 000. Let him do that: I will let him do that if he asks nicely.
Can I use Authorize and Let him do that interchangeably?
Not always. Authorize and Let him do that 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.