Cool MateAuthorize vs Do we let him stay
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
Authorize
FormalTop 2,000 (common)C1verb
Do we let him stay
Top 1,000 (very common)
Most formal: AuthorizeMost common: Do we let him stay
| Authorize | Do we let him stay | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 /["/ˈɔːθəraɪz/","/ˈɔːθəraɪzɪz/","/ˈɔːθəraɪzd/","/ˈɔːθəraɪzɪŋ/"]/🇺🇸 /["/ˈɔːθəraɪz/","/ˈɔːθəraɪzɪz/","/ˈɔːθəraɪzd/","/ˈɔːθəraɪzɪŋ/"]/ | 🇬🇧 //lɛt hɪm steɪ//🇺🇸 //lɛt hɪm steɪ// |
| Meaning | To give permission or power to do something. | Allow him to remain. |
| Example | I can authorize payments up to £5 000. | Do we let him stay for dinner? |
| Register | Formal | Neutral |
| How common | Top 2,000 (common) | Top 1,000 (very common) |
| CEFR level | C1 | - |
| Part of speech | verb | |
| Collocations | authorize access, authorize a transaction, authorize a request, authorize changes | let someone stay, let him stay, let them stay |
| Antonyms | prohibit, forbid, disallow | - |
| Common mistakes | Confusing 'authorize' with 'authentic' as they have different meanings., Using 'authorize' without an object when it needs one (e.g., 'authorize access' not just 'authorize')., Mixing up 'authorize' with 'permit', which can have slightly different uses. | Confusing 'let' with 'allow' in formal contexts., Using the wrong verb form after 'let'., Overusing in formal writing. |
| Usage notes | Use 'authorize' in formal settings when discussing permission or approval, such as in business, law, or official documents. Avoid in casual conversations. | Use 'let' in informal contexts to indicate permission; it's less formal than 'permit'. |
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Frequently asked questions: Authorize vs Do we let him stay
What's the difference between Authorize and Do we let him stay?
Authorize: To give permission or power to do something. Do we let him stay: Allow him to remain.
Which is more formal: Authorize and Do we let him stay?
Authorize is the most formal of these.
Which is more common: Authorize and Do we let him stay?
Do we let him stay is the most common in everyday English.
Can you show an example of each?
Authorize: I can authorize payments up to £5 000. Do we let him stay: Do we let him stay for dinner?
Can I use Authorize and Do we let him stay interchangeably?
Not always. Authorize 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.