Cool MateLet her ask vs Permit
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
Let her ask
Top 2,000 (common)
Permit
Top 2,000 (common)B2verb
| Let her ask | Permit | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 //lɛt hɜːr ɑːsk//🇺🇸 //lɛt hɜr æsk// | 🇬🇧 /["/pəˈmɪt/","/pəˈmɪts/","/pəˈmɪtɪd/","/pəˈmɪtɪŋ/"]/🇺🇸 /["/pərˈmɪt/","/pərˈmɪts/","/pərˈmɪtɪd/","/pərˈmɪtɪŋ/"]/ |
| Meaning | Allow her to ask something. | To allow something to happen. |
| Example | I will let her ask her question now. | The teacher will permit students to leave early if they finish their exams on time. |
| Register | Neutral | Neutral |
| How common | Top 2,000 (common) | Top 2,000 (common) |
| CEFR level | - | B2 |
| Part of speech | verb | |
| Collocations | let someone ask, let her speak, let them inquire, let us know, let you express | legally, generally, normally, refuse to, be designed to, legally, generally, normally, refuse to, be designed to |
| Antonyms | - | forbid, prohibit, ban |
| Common mistakes | Confusing 'let' with 'make', which implies force instead of permission., Omitting the subject or verb in instruction., Using 'let' with the wrong verb form after the object. | 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 | Used to grant permission. It's appropriate in casual conversations but can be used in more formal settings depending on tone. | Use 'permit' in formal contexts, such as legal or official situations. It's less common in casual conversation, where 'let' might be more appropriate. |
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Frequently asked questions: Let her ask vs Permit
What's the difference between Let her ask and Permit?
Let her ask: Allow her to ask something. Permit: To allow something to happen.
Can you show an example of each?
Let her ask: I will let her ask her question now. Permit: The teacher will permit students to leave early if they finish their exams on time.
Can I use Let her ask and Permit interchangeably?
Not always. Let her ask 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.