Cool MateAllow vs Let them come
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
Allow
Top 1,000 (very common)A2verb
Let them come
Top 2,000 (common)
Most common: Allow
| Allow | Let them come | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 /["/əˈlaʊ/","/əˈlaʊz/","/əˈlaʊd/","/əˈlaʊɪŋ/"]/🇺🇸 /["/əˈlaʊ/","/əˈlaʊz/","/əˈlaʊd/","/əˈlaʊɪŋ/"]/ | 🇬🇧 //lɛt ðɛm kʌm//🇺🇸 //lɛt ðɛm kʌm// |
| Meaning | to let someone do something | Allow others to arrive or approach. |
| Example | Please allow me to explain my point of view. | During the open house, we decided to let them come whenever they wanted. |
| 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 them enter, let them join, let them in |
| 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 them come' with 'let them came'., Omitting the subject, saying 'let come' instead., Using 'let' incorrectly with a noun instead of a pronoun. |
| 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 in contexts where you are giving permission for someone to enter or join. It is neutral and suitable for most situations. |
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Frequently asked questions: Allow vs Let them come
What's the difference between Allow and Let them come?
Allow: to let someone do something Let them come: Allow others to arrive or approach.
Which is more common: Allow and Let them come?
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 them come: During the open house, we decided to let them come whenever they wanted.
Can I use Allow and Let them come interchangeably?
Not always. Allow and Let them 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.