allow - permit - let - enable

Allow, permit, and let are all used to say that someone is given permission to do something, or is not prevented from doing something. Permit is a formal word.

‘allow’ and ‘permit’

Allow and permit are followed by an object and a to-infinitive clause.

He allowed me to take the course.

They do not permit students to use calculators in exams.

You can say that people are not allowed to do something or are not permitted to do something.

Visitors are not allowed to take photographs in the museum.

Children are not permitted to use the swimming pool.

You can also say that something is not allowed or that it is not permitted.

Running was not allowed in the school.

Picnics are not permitted in the park.

‘let’

Let is followed by an object and an infinitive without to.

Let me go to the party on Saturday. I won't be late.

You don't usually use ‘let’ in the passive. Don't say, for example, ‘She was let go to the party’.

‘enable’

Don't confuse any of these words with enable. To enable someone to do something means to give them the opportunity to do it. It does not mean to give them permission to do it.

Contraception enables women to plan their families.

The new test should enable doctors to detect the disease early.

	Created by Andrea Lladro over 6 years ago