Cool MateAllow vs Enable vs Let your mother win
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
Allow
Enable
Let your mother win
| Allow | Enable | Let your mother win | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 /["/əˈlaʊ/","/əˈlaʊz/","/əˈlaʊd/","/əˈlaʊɪŋ/"]/🇺🇸 /["/əˈlaʊ/","/əˈlaʊz/","/əˈlaʊd/","/əˈlaʊɪŋ/"]/ | 🇬🇧 /["/ɪˈneɪbl/","/ɪˈneɪblz/","/ɪˈneɪbld/","/ɪˈneɪblɪŋ/"]/🇺🇸 /["/ɪˈneɪbl/","/ɪˈneɪblz/","/ɪˈneɪbld/","/ɪˈneɪblɪŋ/"]/ | 🇬🇧 //lɛt jɔːr ˈmʌðər wɪn//🇺🇸 //lɛt jʊr ˈmʌðər wɪn// |
| Meaning | to let someone do something | To make something possible or easy to do. | Allow your mother to be more successful or have a victory |
| Example | Please allow me to explain my point of view. | The new software will enable users to perform tasks more efficiently. | Sometimes, I just let your mother win to keep her happy. |
| Register | Neutral | Neutral | Neutral |
| How common | Top 1,000 (very common) | Top 1,000 (very common) | Top 5,000 (fairly common) |
| CEFR level | A2 | B2 | - |
| Part of speech | verb | verb | |
| Collocations | allow access, allow time, allow someone to do something, allow for mistakes, allow room | enable technology, enable access, enable features, enable growth, enable communication | let someone win, let your mother feel good, let your mother shine, let her win easily |
| Antonyms | forbid, prohibit, restrict | disable, prohibit | - |
| 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. | Confused with 'enable' vs 'enable to' — remember 'enable' is followed directly by the object., Using 'enabled' incorrectly in present tense — it should match the subject in tense., Mixing up 'enable' and 'allow' — 'enable' implies making possible, while 'allow' means giving permission. | Confused with 'let your mother win' vs 'win your mother' (to court or dated her), Misused in formal contexts where competition is intense, Omitting 'your mother' and saying just 'let win' is incorrect |
| 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 'enable' when discussing technology, permissions, or abilities. It's suitable in both written and spoken contexts. Avoid using it in overly casual conversations. | Used in contexts where someone allows another person to win, often for kindness or support. Appropriate in friendly or familial scenarios. |
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Frequently asked questions: Allow vs Enable vs Let your mother win
What's the difference between Allow, Enable, and Let your mother win?
Allow: to let someone do something Enable: To make something possible or easy to do. Let your mother win: Allow your mother to be more successful or have a victory
Which is more advanced: Allow, Enable, and Let your mother win?
Enable is the highest level, at B2, on the CEFR scale.
Can you show an example of each?
Allow: Please allow me to explain my point of view. Enable: The new software will enable users to perform tasks more efficiently. Let your mother win: Sometimes, I just let your mother win to keep her happy.
Can I use Allow, Enable, and Let your mother win interchangeably?
Not always. Allow, Enable, and Let your mother win 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.