Let vs. Allow vs. Permit – what is the difference?

What is Let?

Definition: “Let” typically means to give permission or allow someone to do something.

Usage: It is often used in informal contexts and conversations.

Example:

1. She let her children play in the garden.
2. She let her sister borrow her favorite dress for the party.
3. The teacher let the students choose their topics for the research project.
4. Can you let me know if the meeting time changes?
5. My parents let me have a sleepover with my friends on the weekend.
6. The manager let us leave work early on Fridays during the summer.
7. Please let the dog out before you leave for work.
8. He let his son drive the car for the first time.
9. They let me try the new dessert before it was officially on the menu.
10. The landlord let us paint the walls of our apartment.
11. She let her children watch an extra hour of TV as a special treat.
12. She let her friend borrow her car for the weekend.
13. Please let me know if you need any help with your project.
14. “My landlord let me keep a pet in my apartment.”
15. “Could you let me finish my sentence before interrupting?”

What is ‘allow’?

Definition: “Allow” denotes giving permission or granting someone the freedom to do something.

Usage: It is more formal than “let” and is commonly used in both formal and informal contexts.

Example:

1. The teacher allowed the students to work in groups.
2. The school allows students to bring their laptops to class.
3. Our company policy allows for flexible work hours.
4. The museum allows photography without flash.
5. The rules allow for a maximum of two guests per room in the hotel.
6. The software allows users to customize their profiles.
7. The restaurant allows customers to customize their orders.
8. The gym allows members to use the facilities 24 hours a day.
9. The regulations allow for small pets in the apartment complex.
10.  The website allows users to create free accounts.
11.  The policy allows for a grace period of 15 minutes for late arrivals.
12.  The company policy allows employees to work remotely twice a week.
13.  Parents should allow their children to express themselves freely.
14.  The museum allows photography but without flash.
15.  The new regulations allow for greater flexibility in scheduling

What is a ‘permit’?

Definition: “Permit” refers to officially granting permission or authorization for something to occur.

Usage: It is the most formal of the three terms and is often used in legal or official contexts.

Example:

1. You must have a permit to build a new structure on your property.
2. You need a permit to build a fence on your property.
3. The city requires a permit for street performers in the downtown area.
4. Fishing in the lake is allowed only with a valid permit.
5. The construction company obtained a permit to start building the new office complex.
6. You must have a permit to park in the designated area.
7. The event organizers obtained a permit to hold the concert in the park.
8. Permits are required for hiking in certain national parks.
9. The local government issued a permit for the street festival.
10. The restaurant received a permit to serve alcohol on its premises.
11. A permit is necessary to operate a food truck in the city.
12.  It would help if you had a permit to park in this area overnight.
13.  The city council granted a permit to construct a new office building.
14.  The city requires a permit for hosting events in public parks.
15.  Drivers must have a valid permit to operate commercial vehicles.

Don’t forget this useful grammar: Simple present tense