let sb / sth do sth
1 to let sb/sth do sth; to let sth happen or be done:
[VNtoinf] His parents won't allow him to stay out late. * He is not allowed to stay out late. * They shouldn't be allowed to get away with it. * She won't allow herself to be dictated to. * He allowed his mind to wander. * [VN] Smoking is not allowed in the hall. * [V-ing] We do not allow smoking in the hall.
2 [VNN] to let sb have sth:
You're allowed half an hour to complete the test. * I'm not allowed visitors. * I sometimes allow myself the luxury of a cigar.
3 [VN] [usually +adv./prep.] [usuallypassive] to let sb/sth go into, through, out of, etc. a place:
No dogs allowed (= you cannot bring them in). * The prisoners are allowed out of their cells for two hours a day. * The crowd parted to allow her through. * You won't be allowed up (= out of bed) for several days.
make possible
4 to make sth possible:
[VN] A ramp has been installed to allow better access for wheelchairs. [also V-ing]
time / money / food, etc.
5 [VN] ~ sth (for sb/sth) to make sure that you have enough of sth for a particular purpose:
How much time would you allow for the trip? * You need to allow three metres of fabric for the dress.
accept / admit
6 (formal) to accept or admit sth; to agree that sth is true or correct:
[VN] The judge allowed my claim. * 'Objection!' 'I'll allow it.' * [Vthat] He refuses to allow that such a situation could arise. * [VNN] She was very helpful when my mother was ill-I'll allow you that. [also Vspeech]
compareDISALLOW
IDIOMS
allow me (spoken) used to offer help politely:
'Allow me,' he said, taking the tray from her.
moreatREINn.
PHRASALVERBS
allow for sb/sth to include sb/sth when calculating sth:
It will take about an hour to get there, allowing for traffic delays. * All these factors must be allowed for.
allow of sth (formal) to make sth possible:
The facts allow of only one explanation.
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WHICHWORD?
allow / let / permit
Let is the least formal and the most common of these verbs in spoken English. It is followed by an object and an infinitive without 'to', and is often used to give orders: Let James sit there. * Don't let me forget there's a cake in the oven. * My father won't let me go out tonight. Let is not used in the passive.
Allow is more formal than let and is more common in writing. Permit is the most formal and is used in official or technical written language. Both words can be followed by an object and a 'to' infinitive and are both often used in the passive: I'm not allowed to smoke in the house. * Some parents allow their children to do whatever they like. * Photography is not permitted in the gallery. * Customers are permitted to use the car park.
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