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)
 PermitYou just let him come
Pronunciation🇬🇧 /["/pəˈmɪt/","/pəˈmɪts/","/pəˈmɪtɪd/","/pəˈmɪtɪŋ/"]/🇺🇸 /["/pərˈmɪt/","/pərˈmɪts/","/pərˈmɪtɪd/","/pərˈmɪtɪŋ/"]/🇬🇧 //lɛt//🇺🇸 //lɛt//
MeaningTo allow something to happen.You allowed him to come.
ExampleThe teacher will permit students to leave early if they finish their exams on time.You just let him come to the party last night.
RegisterNeutralNeutral
How commonTop 2,000 (common)Top 2,000 (common)
CEFR levelB2-
Part of speechverb
Collocationslegally, generally, normally, refuse to, be designed to, legally, generally, normally, refuse to, be designed tolet someone go, let someone know, let things happen, let it be, let someone down
Antonymsforbid, prohibit, ban-
Common mistakesConfused 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 notesUse '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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Permit
You just let him come

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.

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