What is the difference between let and allow?

Definitions

let

- Allowing someone to do something.

- Giving permission for something to happen.

- Describing the act of not preventing or stopping something from happening.

allow

- Giving permission for something to happen.

- Permitting someone to do something.

- Describing the act of not preventing or stopping something from happening.

List of Similarities

• 1. Both words refer to giving permission or not preventing something from happening.
• 2. Both words can be used in formal and informal contexts.
• 3. Both words are verbs that describe an action.
• 4. Both words can be followed by an object or a gerund.

What is the difference?

• 1. Usage: Let is more commonly used in everyday language, while allow is more formal and often used in legal or official contexts.
• 2. Formality: Allow is generally considered more formal than let.
• 3. Meaning: Let implies a more personal decision or choice, while allow is more objective and neutral.
• 4. Connotation: Let can imply a sense of generosity or kindness, while allow can be more neutral or even negative in connotation.

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Remember this!

Let and allow are synonyms that both refer to giving permission or not preventing something from happening. However, let is more commonly used in everyday language and implies a more personal decision or choice, while allow is more formal and objective in meaning.