Cool MateAllow vs Let your mother win
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
Allow
Top 1,000 (very common)A2verb
Let your mother win
Top 5,000 (fairly common)
Most common: Allow
| Allow | Let your mother win | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 /["/əˈlaʊ/","/əˈlaʊz/","/əˈlaʊd/","/əˈlaʊɪŋ/"]/🇺🇸 /["/əˈlaʊ/","/əˈlaʊz/","/əˈlaʊd/","/əˈlaʊɪŋ/"]/ | 🇬🇧 //lɛt jɔːr ˈmʌðər wɪn//🇺🇸 //lɛt jʊr ˈmʌðər wɪn// |
| Meaning | to let someone do something | Allow your mother to be more successful or have a victory |
| Example | Please allow me to explain my point of view. | Sometimes, I just let your mother win to keep her happy. |
| Register | Neutral | Neutral |
| How common | Top 1,000 (very common) | Top 5,000 (fairly 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 win, let your mother feel good, let your mother shine, let her win easily |
| 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. | 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. | 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 Let your mother win
What's the difference between Allow and Let your mother win?
Allow: to let someone do something Let your mother win: Allow your mother to be more successful or have a victory
Which is more common: Allow and Let your mother win?
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 your mother win: Sometimes, I just let your mother win to keep her happy.
Can I use Allow and Let your mother win interchangeably?
Not always. Allow 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.