Permit vs You just let the enemy go

When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.

Permit

Top 2,000 (common)B2verb

You just let the enemy go

Top 2,000 (common)
 PermitYou just let the enemy go
Pronunciation🇬🇧 /["/pəˈmɪt/","/pəˈmɪts/","/pəˈmɪtɪd/","/pəˈmɪtɪŋ/"]/🇺🇸 /["/pərˈmɪt/","/pərˈmɪts/","/pərˈmɪtɪd/","/pərˈmɪtɪŋ/"]/🇬🇧 //jʊ dʒʌst lɛt ði ˈɛnəmi ɡəʊ//🇺🇸 //ju dʒʌst lɛt ði ˈɛnəmi ɡoʊ//
MeaningTo allow something to happen.You allowed the enemy to leave.
ExampleThe teacher will permit students to leave early if they finish their exams on time.You just let the enemy go after negotiations failed.
RegisterNeutralNeutral
How commonTop 2,000 (common)Top 2,000 (common)
CEFR levelB2-
Part of speechverb
Collocationslegally, generally, normally, refuse to, be designed to, legally, generally, normally, refuse to, be designed tolet someone go, let it go, let go of fear
Antonymsforbid, prohibit, ban-
Common mistakesConfused with 'allow' - 'permit' is often more formal., Using 'permit' incorrectly in passive voice without clear subject., Using 'permit' without an object, forgetting what is being permitted.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 'permit' in formal contexts, such as legal or official situations. It's less common in casual conversation, where 'let' might be more appropriate.Used in contexts of permission or allowance. Avoid in formal writing. Common in everyday conversation.

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Permit
You just let the enemy go

Frequently asked questions: Permit vs You just let the enemy go

What's the difference between Permit and You just let the enemy go?

Permit: To allow something to happen. You just let the enemy go: You allowed the enemy to leave.

Can you show an example of each?

Permit: The teacher will permit students to leave early if they finish their exams on time. You just let the enemy go: You just let the enemy go after negotiations failed.

Can I use Permit and You just let the enemy go interchangeably?

Not always. Permit 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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