Cool MateDo we let him stay vs Permit
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
Do we let him stay
Top 1,000 (very common)
Permit
Top 2,000 (common)B2verb
Most common: Do we let him stay
| Do we let him stay | Permit | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 //lɛt hɪm steɪ//🇺🇸 //lɛt hɪm steɪ// | 🇬🇧 /["/pəˈmɪt/","/pəˈmɪts/","/pəˈmɪtɪd/","/pəˈmɪtɪŋ/"]/🇺🇸 /["/pərˈmɪt/","/pərˈmɪts/","/pərˈmɪtɪd/","/pərˈmɪtɪŋ/"]/ |
| Meaning | Allow him to remain. | To allow something to happen. |
| Example | Do we let him stay for dinner? | The teacher will permit students to leave early if they finish their exams on time. |
| Register | Neutral | Neutral |
| How common | Top 1,000 (very common) | Top 2,000 (common) |
| CEFR level | - | B2 |
| Part of speech | verb | |
| Collocations | let someone stay, let him stay, let them stay | legally, generally, normally, refuse to, be designed to, legally, generally, normally, refuse to, be designed to |
| Antonyms | - | forbid, prohibit, ban |
| Common mistakes | Confusing 'let' with 'allow' in formal contexts., Using the wrong verb form after 'let'., Overusing in formal writing. | Confused with 'allow' - 'permit' is often more formal., Using 'permit' incorrectly in passive voice without clear subject., Using 'permit' without an object, forgetting what is being permitted. |
| Usage notes | Use 'let' in informal contexts to indicate permission; it's less formal than 'permit'. | Use 'permit' in formal contexts, such as legal or official situations. It's less common in casual conversation, where 'let' might be more appropriate. |
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Frequently asked questions: Do we let him stay vs Permit
What's the difference between Do we let him stay and Permit?
Do we let him stay: Allow him to remain. Permit: To allow something to happen.
Which is more common: Do we let him stay and Permit?
Do we let him stay is the most common in everyday English.
Can you show an example of each?
Do we let him stay: Do we let him stay for dinner? Permit: The teacher will permit students to leave early if they finish their exams on time.
Can I use Do we let him stay and Permit interchangeably?
Not always. Do we let him stay and Permit 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.