When it comes to giving permission or facilitating actions, the words "allow," "enable," "permit," and "let" are often used. While they share similar meanings, they each have unique nuances in terms of formality and context. In this post, we'll explore how these words are used, along with example sentences and exercises to help you master their usage.
Key Differences in Usage:
Allow
Meaning: To give permission.
Formality: Neutral, can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
Structure: Usually followed by a personal object and the infinitive form (to + verb).
Example: "The manager allowed the employees to leave early."
Permit
Meaning: To formally allow something.
Formality: More formal than "allow."
Structure: Often used with an object and the infinitive form. It is common in official or formal contexts.
Example: "Smoking is not permitted in this area."
Enable
Meaning: To make something possible or easier; facilitate.
Formality: Formal.
Structure: Followed by the infinitive or a passive construction, often used when talking about systems, tools, or abilities.
Example: "This software enables calculations to be made quickly."
Let
Meaning: To allow or give permission in a less formal way.
Formality: Informal.
Structure: Requires the infinitive without "to" and is not used in the passive voice.
Example: "Her parents let her go out with her friends."
Common Mistakes to Avoid:
Using "let" with "to": Incorrect: "He let me to leave." | Correct: "He let me leave."
"Enable" cannot be used for permission: You can’t say, "The teacher enabled us to leave early." Instead, say, "The teacher allowed us to leave early."
Always follow "permit" and "allow" with the infinitive form when referring to actions: "They allowed her to speak," not "They allowed her speak."
Exercises
Choose the Correct Form:
The teacher allowed the students (use / to use) their notes during the test.
The app enables users (order / to order) food online.
Smoking is not (permitting / permitted) in the building.
This new feature allows you (to create / creating) multiple accounts easily.
They were not permitted (leave / to leave) the premises.
Correct the Mistakes:
Her parents let her to stay out late.
The law permits people trade on holidays.
This function enables to calculate results automatically.
You are not allowed using your phone during the lecture.
The software lets you to export the file in different formats.
Explanation and Tips:
Allow and Permit are often interchangeable but "permit" tends to be more formal and is frequently found in legal or official contexts.
Example: "The park allows visitors to picnic" vs. "The law permits citizens to vote."
Enable is more about making something possible rather than giving direct permission. It's often used in technical contexts.
Example: "The update enables the program to run faster."
Let is the least formal and is commonly used in everyday speech. Unlike "allow" or "permit," it is not used in the passive voice.
Example: "The coach let the players practice for an extra hour."
By understanding these distinctions and practicing, you'll be able to use "allow," "permit," "enable," and "let" confidently in both written and spoken English.
