Allow, Permit, Let, Enable: What’s the Difference?

Hello English learners! Welcome to a new lesson. Have you ever hesitated between allow, permit, let, enable? Many learners do, because these verbs are similar in some ways, but they are not used in exactly the same way.

In this lesson, we will look at the differences between them and learn how to use each one correctly.

At first glance, allow, permit, and let all seem to mean give permission. And that is mostly true. However, they differ in formality, grammar pattern, and style.

Enable, on the other hand, is different. It does not usually mean give permission. Instead, it means make it possible for someone to do something.

A simple way to remember the difference is this:

• allow = give permission
• permit = give permission, but more formal
• let = give permission, but more informal
• enable = make something possible

Let’s look at them one by one.

Allow

We use allow to say that someone gives permission for something to happen or for someone to do something.

Structure:

allow + person/thing + to-infinitive

It is also very common in the passive voice.

Examples:

• They don’t allow students to smoke at this school.
• We are going to be allowed to use a dictionary during the exam.
• The prisoner is allowed to have two visitors a week.
• It is not wise to spend more than your budget allows.
• Allow the dish to cool before serving.
• Allow me to introduce myself and my family.

Notes: Allow is a very common, neutral verb. It works well in both spoken and written English.

Compare:

• They allowed us to leave early.
• We were allowed to leave early.

Both are correct and natural.

Permit

Permit is very similar to allow, but it is more formal. You will often see it in notices, official rules, instructions, and more formal writing.

Structure:

permit + person/thing + to-infinitive

It is also frequently used in the passive.

Examples:

• After the divorce, Mr Smith was permitted to see his children on Saturdays.
• Visitors are not permitted to touch the exhibits.
• Residents are not permitted to enter the area during the investigation.
• The teacher did not permit Alan to answer the question.
• I’d love to go with you, but I’m not sure my parents will permit it.

Notes:

Because permit is more formal, it can sometimes sound too stiff in casual conversation.

For example, in everyday speech, people are more likely to say:

• My parents won’t let me go.
  or
• My parents won’t allow me to go.

than:

• My parents won’t permit me to go.

That last sentence is correct, but it sounds more formal.

Let

Let is the least formal of the four verbs. We use it very often in everyday English to mean allow.

Structure:

let + person/thing + bare infinitive

This means we use the infinitive without to.

Examples:

• When we were children, our mum never let us stay up after 10 p.m.
• Please let me know what time you arrive.
• Don’t let your past mistakes affect your future.
• Some parents let their children wander around too freely.
• Mary never lets her busy schedule stop her from spending time with her family.
• Don’t let the grass grow under your feet.

Important grammar point:

We do not say:

• let someone to do something ❌

We say:

• let someone do something ✅

So:

• She let me borrow her car.
  Not:
• She let me to borrow her car.

Another important point:

Unlike allow and permit, let is not normally used in the passive in standard modern English.

We usually say:

• My parents let me stay out late.

Not:

• I was let stay out late.

Instead, in passive structures, English usually prefers allowed:

• I was allowed to stay out late.

Enable

Enable is different from the other three verbs. It does not usually mean give permission. Instead, it means give someone the ability, opportunity, or means to do something.

Structure:

enable + person/thing + to-infinitive

Examples:

• These binoculars enable you to see much further.
• Social networks enable people to stay in touch wherever they are.
• These cards enable customers to withdraw cash from a machine.
• The sale of the land enabled us to build the new school.
• Better lighting will enable drivers to see the bridge from a distance.
• The new software enables staff to work more efficiently.

Notes: Enable is about possibility and ability, not permission.

Compare:

• My parents allowed me to drive the car.
• The new GPS system enabled me to find the place easily.

In the first sentence, someone gave permission.

In the second, something made the action possible.

That is the key difference.

Main differences at a glance

Here is a quick summary:

Allow

• means: give permission
• style: neutral
• pattern: allow someone to do something
• passive: common

Permit

• means: give permission
• style: formal
• pattern: permit someone to do something
• passive: common

Let

• means: give permission
• style: informal and everyday
• pattern: let someone do something
• passive: not usually used

Enable

• means: make something possible
• style: neutral to formal
• pattern: enable someone to do something
• idea: ability/opportunity, not permission

Compare the verbs

Let’s compare them in similar sentences:

• The teacher allowed the students to use a dictionary.
• The teacher permitted the students to use a dictionary.
• The teacher let the students use a dictionary.

All three are possible, but the tone changes:

• allowed = neutral
• permitted = more formal
• let = more natural in informal speech

Now compare them with enable:

• A good dictionary enables students to understand difficult words.

This sentence is completely different. The dictionary is not giving permission. It is making understanding possible.

Common mistakes learners make with allow, permit, let, enable

1. Using let with to

Incorrect:

• She let me to go.

Correct:

• She let me go.

2. Using enable as if it meant permission

Incorrect idea:

• My teacher enabled me to leave early.

This sounds odd if you mean permission.

Better:

• My teacher allowed me to leave early.

Use enabled only if you mean made it possible:

• My teacher’s advice enabled me to finish the project on time.

3. Choosing permit in very casual conversation

This is not wrong, but it may sound too formal.

Natural:

• Mum won’t let me go.
• Mum won’t allow me to go.

Less natural in everyday conversation:

• Mum won’t permit me to go.

Final thoughts

Although allow, permit, and let are closely related, they are not always interchangeable in tone and grammar. Allow is the most neutral, permit is the most formal, and let is the most informal.

Enable belongs in a different category altogether. It is not about permission, but about making something possible.

If you learn these differences well, your English will immediately become more accurate and more natural.

And that is always a fine thing — rather like having the right key for the right door instead of trying the whole jangling bunch.

FAQ

What is the difference between allow, permit, let, enable?
Allow, permit, and let are used to give permission, while enable means to make something possible.

Is permit more formal than allow?
Yes. Permit is usually more formal than allow and is common in official rules and notices.

Do we say let someone to do something?
No. We say let someone do something, without to.

Does enable mean allow?
Not usually. Enable means to give someone the ability, opportunity, or means to do something, not permission.

Related posts:

Modal Verbs of Permission

Treat, Cure, Heal – What’s the Difference?

Verbs with Two Objects

Let, Make, Allow

Be Allowed to, Be Supposed to, Be Able to

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