Cool MateAllow vs Let him do that
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
Allow
Top 1,000 (very common)A2verb
Let him do that
Top 2,000 (common)
Most common: Allow
| Allow | Let him do that | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 /["/əˈlaʊ/","/əˈlaʊz/","/əˈlaʊd/","/əˈlaʊɪŋ/"]/🇺🇸 /["/əˈlaʊ/","/əˈlaʊz/","/əˈlaʊd/","/əˈlaʊɪŋ/"]/ | 🇬🇧 //lɛt hɪm duː ðæt//🇺🇸 //lɛt hɪm du ðæt// |
| Meaning | to let someone do something | Allow him to do that. |
| Example | Please allow me to explain my point of view. | I will let him do that if he asks nicely. |
| Register | Neutral | Neutral |
| How common | Top 1,000 (very common) | Top 2,000 (common) |
| CEFR level | A2 | - |
| Part of speech | verb | |
| Collocations | allow access, allow time, allow someone to do something, allow for mistakes, allow room | let him go, let her try, let them know, let me see, let us help |
| 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 'make' - 'let' is permission, 'make' is force., Using 'letting' incorrectly, as in 'let him doing that.', Omitting 'him' and saying 'let do that.' |
| 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. | Used to give permission; suitable in informal or neutral contexts. Avoid in formal writing. |
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Frequently asked questions: Allow vs Let him do that
What's the difference between Allow and Let him do that?
Allow: to let someone do something Let him do that: Allow him to do that.
Which is more common: Allow and Let him do that?
Allow is the most common in everyday English.
Can you show an example of each?
Allow: Please allow me to explain my point of view. Let him do that: I will let him do that if he asks nicely.
Can I use Allow and Let him do that interchangeably?
Not always. Allow and Let him do that 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.