Cool MateAllow vs Do we let him stay
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
Allow
Top 1,000 (very common)A2verb
Do we let him stay
Top 1,000 (very common)
| Allow | Do we let him stay | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 /["/əˈlaʊ/","/əˈlaʊz/","/əˈlaʊd/","/əˈlaʊɪŋ/"]/🇺🇸 /["/əˈlaʊ/","/əˈlaʊz/","/əˈlaʊd/","/əˈlaʊɪŋ/"]/ | 🇬🇧 //lɛt hɪm steɪ//🇺🇸 //lɛt hɪm steɪ// |
| Meaning | to let someone do something | Allow him to remain. |
| Example | Please allow me to explain my point of view. | Do we let him stay for dinner? |
| Register | Neutral | Neutral |
| How common | Top 1,000 (very common) | Top 1,000 (very common) |
| CEFR level | A2 | - |
| Part of speech | verb | |
| Collocations | allow access, allow time, allow someone to do something, allow for mistakes, allow room | let someone stay, let him stay, let them stay |
| Antonyms | forbid, prohibit, restrict | - |
| Common mistakes | Using 'allow' without an object (e.g., say 'allow me to help' instead of just 'allow')., Confusing 'allow' with 'let' - 'let' is more informal., Mixing up the structure, such as omitting 'to' before the verb. | Confusing 'let' with 'allow' in formal contexts., Using the wrong verb form after 'let'., Overusing in formal writing. |
| Usage notes | Use 'allow' in contexts where you are giving permission. It's appropriate in both spoken and written English, but for severe situations or commands, consider using stronger words like 'permit'. Avoid using it in very casual exchanges. | Use 'let' in informal contexts to indicate permission; it's less formal than 'permit'. |
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Frequently asked questions: Allow vs Do we let him stay
What's the difference between Allow and Do we let him stay?
Allow: to let someone do something Do we let him stay: Allow him to remain.
Can you show an example of each?
Allow: Please allow me to explain my point of view. Do we let him stay: Do we let him stay for dinner?
Can I use Allow and Do we let him stay interchangeably?
Not always. Allow and Do we let him stay 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.