Allow vs You just let the enemy go
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
Allow
Top 1,000 (very common)A2verb
You just let the enemy go
Top 2,000 (common)
Most common: Allow
| Allow | You just let the enemy go | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 /["/əˈlaʊ/","/əˈlaʊz/","/əˈlaʊd/","/əˈlaʊɪŋ/"]/🇺🇸 /["/əˈlaʊ/","/əˈlaʊz/","/əˈlaʊd/","/əˈlaʊɪŋ/"]/ | 🇬🇧 //jʊ dʒʌst lɛt ði ˈɛnəmi ɡəʊ//🇺🇸 //ju dʒʌst lɛt ði ˈɛnəmi ɡoʊ// |
| Meaning | to let someone do something | You allowed the enemy to leave. |
| Example | Please allow me to explain my point of view. | You just let the enemy go after negotiations failed. |
| Register | Neutral | Neutral |
| How common | Top 1,000 (very common) | Top 2,000 (common) |
| CEFR level | A2 | - |
| Part of speech | verb | |
| Collocations | allow access, allow time, allow someone to do something, allow for mistakes, allow room | let someone go, let it go, let go of fear |
| Antonyms | forbid, prohibit, restrict | - |
| Common mistakes | Using 'allow' without an object (e.g., say 'allow me to help' instead of just 'allow')., Confusing 'allow' with 'let' - 'let' is more informal., Mixing up the structure, such as omitting 'to' before the verb. | Confused with 'let' vs 'let's' (let's is informal suggestion)., Incorrect form: using 'letted' instead of 'let'., Using with wrong verb form (should be base form after let). |
| Usage notes | Use 'allow' in contexts where you are giving permission. It's appropriate in both spoken and written English, but for severe situations or commands, consider using stronger words like 'permit'. Avoid using it in very casual exchanges. | Used in contexts of permission or allowance. Avoid in formal writing. Common in everyday conversation. |
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Frequently asked questions: Allow vs You just let the enemy go
What's the difference between Allow and You just let the enemy go?
Allow: to let someone do something You just let the enemy go: You allowed the enemy to leave.
Which is more common: Allow and You just let the enemy go?
Allow is the most common in everyday English.
Can you show an example of each?
Allow: Please allow me to explain my point of view. You just let the enemy go: You just let the enemy go after negotiations failed.
Can I use Allow and You just let the enemy go interchangeably?
Not always. Allow and You just let the enemy go 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.