Cool MateInvite vs Let them come
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
Invite
Top 2,000 (common)A2verb
Let them come
Top 2,000 (common)
| Invite | Let them come | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 /["/ɪnˈvaɪt/","/ɪnˈvaɪts/","/ɪnˈvaɪtɪd/","/ɪnˈvaɪtɪŋ/"]/🇺🇸 /["/ɪnˈvaɪt/","/ɪnˈvaɪts/","/ɪnˈvaɪtɪd/","/ɪnˈvaɪtɪŋ/"]/ | 🇬🇧 //lɛt ðɛm kʌm//🇺🇸 //lɛt ðɛm kʌm// |
| Meaning | To ask someone to come to an event. | Allow others to arrive or approach. |
| Example | I would like to invite you to my birthday party. | During the open house, we decided to let them come whenever they wanted. |
| Register | Neutral | Neutral |
| How common | Top 2,000 (common) | Top 2,000 (common) |
| CEFR level | A2 | - |
| Part of speech | verb | |
| Collocations | formally, officially, cordially, into, for, to, formally, officially, cordially, into, for, to, positively, practically, seem to | let them enter, let them join, let them in |
| Antonyms | exclude, dismiss | - |
| Common mistakes | Confusing 'invite' as a noun and verb., Saying 'invite to' instead of 'invite someone to.', Using 'invited' instead of 'invite' in some contexts. | Confusing 'let them come' with 'let them came'., Omitting the subject, saying 'let come' instead., Using 'let' incorrectly with a noun instead of a pronoun. |
| Usage notes | Use 'invite' for casual and formal occasions, but avoid in very formal writing, where you might prefer 'extend an invitation.' | Use in contexts where you are giving permission for someone to enter or join. It is neutral and suitable for most situations. |
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Frequently asked questions: Invite vs Let them come
What's the difference between Invite and Let them come?
Invite: To ask someone to come to an event. Let them come: Allow others to arrive or approach.
Can you show an example of each?
Invite: I would like to invite you to my birthday party. Let them come: During the open house, we decided to let them come whenever they wanted.
Can I use Invite and Let them come interchangeably?
Not always. Invite and Let them come 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.