I let my cab go vs Permit

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

I let my cab go

Top 5,000 (fairly common)

Permit

Top 2,000 (common)B2verb
Most common: Permit
 I let my cab goPermit
Pronunciation🇬🇧 //aɪ lɛt maɪ kæb ɡoʊ//🇺🇸 //aɪ lɛt maɪ kæb ɡoʊ//🇬🇧 /["/pəˈmɪt/","/pəˈmɪts/","/pəˈmɪtɪd/","/pəˈmɪtɪŋ/"]/🇺🇸 /["/pərˈmɪt/","/pərˈmɪts/","/pərˈmɪtɪd/","/pərˈmɪtɪŋ/"]/
MeaningI allowed my taxi to leave.To allow something to happen.
ExampleI let my cab go when I saw it was too full.The teacher will permit students to leave early if they finish their exams on time.
RegisterNeutralNeutral
How commonTop 5,000 (fairly common)Top 2,000 (common)
CEFR level-B2
Part of speechverb
Collocationslet it go, let a cab go, let go of worries, let someone golegally, generally, normally, refuse to, be designed to, legally, generally, normally, refuse to, be designed to
Antonyms-forbid, prohibit, ban
Common mistakesConfused with 'leave' vs 'let go', Misunderstand the tone; it’s informal, not formal, Incorrectly use 'let' with inanimate objectsConfused 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 notesUse 'let' in informal contexts. It's appropriate for casual conversations. Avoid in formal writing.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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I let my cab go
Permit

Frequently asked questions: I let my cab go vs Permit

What's the difference between I let my cab go and Permit?

I let my cab go: I allowed my taxi to leave. Permit: To allow something to happen.

Which is more common: I let my cab go and Permit?

Permit is the most common in everyday English.

Can you show an example of each?

I let my cab go: I let my cab go when I saw it was too full. Permit: The teacher will permit students to leave early if they finish their exams on time.

Can I use I let my cab go and Permit interchangeably?

Not always. I let my cab go 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.

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