Grant vs Let her ask

When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.

Grant

FormalTop 2,000 (common)B2verb

Let her ask

Top 2,000 (common)
Most formal: Grant
 GrantLet her ask
Pronunciation🇬🇧 /["/ɡrɑːnt/","/ɡrɑːnts/","/ˈɡrɑːntɪd/","/ˈɡrɑːntɪŋ/"]/🇺🇸 /["/ɡrænt/","/ɡrænts/","/ˈɡræntɪd/","/ˈɡræntɪŋ/"]/🇬🇧 //lɛt hɜːr ɑːsk//🇺🇸 //lɛt hɜr æsk//
MeaningTo give something, especially officially.Allow her to ask something.
ExampleThe teacher decided to grant the students extra time for their assignment.I will let her ask her question now.
RegisterFormalNeutral
How commonTop 2,000 (common)Top 2,000 (common)
CEFR levelB2-
Part of speechverb
Collocationsexpressly, specifically, automatically, agree to, decide to, refuse to, expressly, specifically, automatically, agree to, decide to, refuse tolet someone ask, let her speak, let them inquire, let us know, let you express
Antonymsrevoke, withhold-
Common mistakesConfused with 'granted' which is the past tense., Using 'grant' without an object., Mixing up 'grant' with 'gift', thinking they are interchangeable.Confusing 'let' with 'make', which implies force instead of permission., Omitting the subject or verb in instruction., Using 'let' with the wrong verb form after the object.
Usage notesTypically used in formal contexts such as legal or educational settings. Avoid in casual conversations.Used to grant permission. It's appropriate in casual conversations but can be used in more formal settings depending on tone.

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Grant
Let her ask

Frequently asked questions: Grant vs Let her ask

What's the difference between Grant and Let her ask?

Grant: To give something, especially officially. Let her ask: Allow her to ask something.

Which is more formal: Grant and Let her ask?

Grant is the most formal of these.

Can you show an example of each?

Grant: The teacher decided to grant the students extra time for their assignment. Let her ask: I will let her ask her question now.

Can I use Grant and Let her ask interchangeably?

Not always. Grant and Let her ask 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.

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