Words / A2

uh-LOWD/əˈlaʊd/

Aloud means so other people can hear: read aloud, think aloud, laugh aloud. Out loud is a close synonym. Allowed (permitted) sounds the same in many accents — classic mix-up. Loud is the adjective. Do not write aloud when you mean allowed, or a loud (two words).

Meaning

In a voice that other people can hear.

Examples

• “Please read the gate number aloud so we all hear.”
• “The guard read the platform change aloud twice.”
• “Please do not think aloud in the exam room.”

Good to know

read aloud / out loud. Mix-up: allowed (permitted) — same sound.

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