I let frodo go vs Permitted

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

I let frodo go

Beyond 10,000 (less common)

Permitted

Top 3,000 (common)
Most common: Permitted
 I let frodo goPermitted
Pronunciation🇬🇧 //aɪ lɛt ˈfroʊdoʊ ɡoʊ//🇺🇸 //aɪ lɛt ˈfroʊdoʊ ɡoʊ//🇬🇧 //pəˈmɪtɪd//🇺🇸 //pəˈmɪtɪd//
MeaningI allowed Frodo to leave.Allowed or given permission to do something.
ExampleI really had to trust him, so I let Frodo go.Only employees are permitted to enter the restricted area.
RegisterNeutralNeutral
How commonBeyond 10,000 (less common)Top 3,000 (common)
Collocationslet someone go, let go of worries, let him leavebe permitted to do something, not permitted, only permitted, permitted by law, permitted activities
Antonymsprevent, forbid, stopprohibited, forbidden, restricted
Common mistakesConfused with 'let' vs 'make' - 'let' means to allow, 'make' means to force., Omitting the object - saying 'I let go' can be unclear.Confusing with 'allowed' as they are similar but 'permitted' is more formal., Using 'permitted' in informal contexts where 'allowed' is more appropriate., Incorrectly conjugating it as 'permit' instead of 'permitted' in past contexts.
Usage notesUse in situations where permission is given. Suitable for story-telling or informal conversation but may be less common in formal writing.Use 'permitted' in formal contexts, such as legal or official discussions. Avoid using it in casual conversation.

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I let frodo go
Permitted

Frequently asked questions: I let frodo go vs Permitted

What's the difference between I let frodo go and Permitted?

I let frodo go: I allowed Frodo to leave. Permitted: Allowed or given permission to do something.

Which is more common: I let frodo go and Permitted?

Permitted is the most common in everyday English.

Can you show an example of each?

I let frodo go: I really had to trust him, so I let Frodo go. Permitted: Only employees are permitted to enter the restricted area.

Can I use I let frodo go and Permitted interchangeably?

Not always. I let frodo go and Permitted 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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