Let __ go yesterday vs Permit

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

Let __ go yesterday

Top 2,000 (common)

Permit

Top 2,000 (common)B2verb
 Let __ go yesterdayPermit
Pronunciation🇬🇧 //lɛt ˈɡəʊ//🇺🇸 //lɛt ɡoʊ//🇬🇧 /["/pəˈmɪt/","/pəˈmɪts/","/pəˈmɪtɪd/","/pəˈmɪtɪŋ/"]/🇺🇸 /["/pərˈmɪt/","/pərˈmɪts/","/pərˈmɪtɪd/","/pərˈmɪtɪŋ/"]/
MeaningTo allow someone to leave or be free.To allow something to happen.
ExampleI had to let him go yesterday after our discussion.The teacher will permit students to leave early if they finish their exams on time.
RegisterNeutralNeutral
How commonTop 2,000 (common)Top 2,000 (common)
CEFR level-B2
Part of speechverb
Collocationslet someone go, let go of control, let it go, let things go, let go of the pastlegally, generally, normally, refuse to, be designed to, legally, generally, normally, refuse to, be designed to
Antonyms-forbid, prohibit, ban
Common mistakesConfused with 'leave' as a more formal alternative., Using 'let' without an object., Incorrectly using past tense with 'let' in ongoing situations.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 notesUse 'let go' with permission contexts. Avoid in formal writing, as it can sound too casual.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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Let __ go yesterday
Permit

Frequently asked questions: Let __ go yesterday vs Permit

What's the difference between Let __ go yesterday and Permit?

Let __ go yesterday: To allow someone to leave or be free. Permit: To allow something to happen.

Can you show an example of each?

Let __ go yesterday: I had to let him go yesterday after our discussion. Permit: The teacher will permit students to leave early if they finish their exams on time.

Can I use Let __ go yesterday and Permit interchangeably?

Not always. Let __ go yesterday 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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