Words / A2

uh-LOW/əˈlaʊ/

To allow is to say yes to an action, or to make it possible. Parents allow children to stay up. The pattern is allow someone to do something. Let is more informal: let me help. Permit is more official. Not allowed is a useful classroom phrase.

Meaning

To say that someone may do something, or to make it possible.

Examples

• “The teacher allowed us to use a dictionary.”
• “Phones are not allowed in the exam.”
• “They allowed us to leave early.”

Good to know

allow someone to + verb. Opposite: forbid / not allow.

Near in meaning

permit, let

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