Permit vs You just let him come
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
Permit
Top 2,000 (common)B2verb
You just let him come
Top 2,000 (common)
| Permit | You just let him come | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 /["/pəˈmɪt/","/pəˈmɪts/","/pəˈmɪtɪd/","/pəˈmɪtɪŋ/"]/🇺🇸 /["/pərˈmɪt/","/pərˈmɪts/","/pərˈmɪtɪd/","/pərˈmɪtɪŋ/"]/ | 🇬🇧 //lɛt//🇺🇸 //lɛt// |
| Meaning | To allow something to happen. | You allowed him to come. |
| Example | The teacher will permit students to leave early if they finish their exams on time. | You just let him come to the party last night. |
| Register | Neutral | Neutral |
| How common | Top 2,000 (common) | Top 2,000 (common) |
| CEFR level | B2 | - |
| Part of speech | verb | |
| Collocations | legally, generally, normally, refuse to, be designed to, legally, generally, normally, refuse to, be designed to | let someone go, let someone know, let things happen, let it be, let someone down |
| Antonyms | forbid, prohibit, ban | - |
| Common mistakes | 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. | 'Let' is often confused with 'allow' or 'make'., Incorrect verb forms after 'let', such as 'letting him to come'. |
| Usage notes | Use 'permit' in formal contexts, such as legal or official situations. It's less common in casual conversation, where 'let' might be more appropriate. | Use 'let' to indicate giving permission. It's less formal than 'allow'. Avoid in highly formal writing. |
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Frequently asked questions: Permit vs You just let him come
What's the difference between Permit and You just let him come?
Permit: To allow something to happen. You just let him come: You allowed him to come.
Can you show an example of each?
Permit: The teacher will permit students to leave early if they finish their exams on time. You just let him come: You just let him come to the party last night.
Can I use Permit and You just let him come interchangeably?
Not always. Permit and You just let him 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.