What is the Difference Between Allow and Permit?

The difference between "allow" and "permit" lies in their level of formality and usage context. Both verbs convey the meaning of giving permission or making it possible for someone to do or have something, but they are used differently:

• Allow: This term is more formal than "let" and less formal than "permit." It is generally used in official or authoritative contexts, such as rules, regulations, or policies. For example, "The government allowed him to leave the country."
• Let: This term is less formal than "allow" and is typically used in informal contexts when the subject actively grants permission. For example, "She let me borrow her car."

In summary, "allow" is used in more formal and official contexts, "let" is used in informal contexts, and "permit" is the most formal and official term among the three.

Comparative Table: Allow vs Permit

Allow, permit, and let are verbs that all have a similar meaning: 'give permission or make it possible for somebody to do or have something'. However, there are some differences in their usage:

Allow and permit are followed by an object and a to-infinitive clause, while let is followed by an object and an infinitive without "to". Permit is the most formal of the three verbs and is commonly used in sentences about official rules, such as those found in signs and handbooks. Allow is used in a general sense by non-authoritative bodies, and let is the weakest verb, typically used in casual situations and to cause someone to do something.