Distinguishing Between Let & Allow

Let vs Allow

To use let and allow correctly in English, it’s essential to understand the differences between them. The word let is mainly used as a verb, while in British English, it can also function as a noun meaning ‘a period during which a room or property is rented.’ The origin of the word let comes from the Old English word lǣtan, while allow can be traced back to Middle English.

What does Let mean?

The word let is used as a verb, as in the following examples:
– He let him in the house.
– She let the dog enter the premises of her house.

In these sentences, let is used to mean ‘enter’ or ‘not prevent or forbid.’ The first sentence means ‘he made him enter his house,’ while the second sentence means ‘she made the dog enter the premises of her house.’ It’s important to note that let is not immediately followed by any prepositions but is followed by the object of the sentence.

What does Allow mean?

Allow is also used as a verb, meaning ‘permit,’ as shown in these examples:
– She will allow you into her house.
– The teacher allowed him into the class.

In the first sentence, the meaning is ‘she will permit you into her house,’ while the second sentence means ‘the teacher permitted him into the class.’

Key Takeaways

• Let is mainly used as a verb meaning ‘not prevent or forbid’ and is not immediately followed by any prepositions.
• Allow is used as a verb meaning ‘permit.’
• Both words are used in similar contexts but have different meanings and usage patterns.