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
 AllowYou 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//
Meaningto let someone do somethingYou allowed the enemy to leave.
ExamplePlease allow me to explain my point of view.You just let the enemy go after negotiations failed.
RegisterNeutralNeutral
How commonTop 1,000 (very common)Top 2,000 (common)
CEFR levelA2-
Part of speechverb
Collocationsallow access, allow time, allow someone to do something, allow for mistakes, allow roomlet someone go, let it go, let go of fear
Antonymsforbid, prohibit, restrict-
Common mistakesUsing '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 notesUse '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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Allow
You just let the enemy go

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.

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