Cool MateLet him do that vs Permit
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
Let him do that
Top 2,000 (common)
Permit
Top 2,000 (common)B2verb
| Let him do that | Permit | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 //lɛt hɪm duː ðæt//🇺🇸 //lɛt hɪm du ðæt// | 🇬🇧 /["/pəˈmɪt/","/pəˈmɪts/","/pəˈmɪtɪd/","/pəˈmɪtɪŋ/"]/🇺🇸 /["/pərˈmɪt/","/pərˈmɪts/","/pərˈmɪtɪd/","/pərˈmɪtɪŋ/"]/ |
| Meaning | Allow him to do that. | To allow something to happen. |
| Example | I will let him do that if he asks nicely. | The teacher will permit students to leave early if they finish their exams on time. |
| Register | Neutral | Neutral |
| How common | Top 2,000 (common) | Top 2,000 (common) |
| CEFR level | - | B2 |
| Part of speech | verb | |
| Collocations | let him go, let her try, let them know, let me see, let us help | 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 'make' - 'let' is permission, 'make' is force., Using 'letting' incorrectly, as in 'let him doing that.', Omitting 'him' and saying 'let do that.' | 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 | Used to give permission; suitable in informal or neutral contexts. 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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Frequently asked questions: Let him do that vs Permit
What's the difference between Let him do that and Permit?
Let him do that: Allow him to do that. Permit: To allow something to happen.
Can you show an example of each?
Let him do that: I will let him do that if he asks nicely. Permit: The teacher will permit students to leave early if they finish their exams on time.
Can I use Let him do that and Permit interchangeably?
Not always. Let him do that 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.