Understanding the Verb ‘Allow’: Permission and Possibility in English
Learn about the verb ‘allow’ and its usage in expressing permission and possibility in English. This video covers the meaning, history, synonyms, antonyms, and common usage examples of ‘allow’, as well as tips to avoid common errors. Perfect for IELTS preparation and everyday English conversations.
Have you ever been told you can’t do something? Or maybe you’ve been given permission to do something special?
Today we’re going to learn about the word allow, an important verb for expressing permission and possibility in English.
Word type: Allow is a verb.
Meaning: Allow means to give permission for someone to do something, or to make something possible.
It’s a word you’ll often hear when discussing rules, regulations, or personal boundaries.
Word history: The word allow comes from Old French and Latin roots, meaning to praise or approve.
Antonyms: Some words with opposite meanings to allow are forbid, prohibit, and prevent.
Synonyms: Words with similar meanings to allow include permit, let, and enable.
Examples use in sentences: Let’s look at how we can use allow in different situations. The teacher allows students to use calculators during math tests.
My parents don’t allow me to stay out past midnight. This pass allows you to enter all areas of the museum.
The new law will allow small businesses to pay less tax. Common errors in use: Be careful not to confuse allow with let.
While they have similar meanings, allow is more formal. For example, you might say The rules allow us to wear casual clothes on Fridays rather than The rules let us wear casual clothes on Fridays.
Also, remember that allow is often followed by an object and then to plus a verb. For instance, My boss allowed me to leave early is correct, but My boss allowed me leave early is not.
Understanding and using allow correctly can help you express ideas about permission and possibility more clearly in your IELTS speaking and writing tasks.
Practice using this word in your everyday conversations to become more comfortable with it.
