What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
allow
Example
I will allow you to borrow my car for the weekend. [allow: verb]
Example
The teacher does not allow cell phones in the classroom. [allow: verb]
Example
His parents allowed him to stay out late on weekends. [allowed: past tense]
authorize
Example
The bank authorized the loan for the new business. [authorize: verb]
Example
Only the manager is authorized to make refunds. [authorized: past tense]
Example
The government authorized the use of military force. [authorize: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Allow is more commonly used than authorize in everyday language. Allow is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while authorize is less common and typically used in more formal or official settings.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between allow and authorize?
Authorize is more formal than allow and is often used in legal or official contexts. Allow is more casual and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
