Hello, EnglishUs readers! Welcome back to another exciting lesson. Today, we’re going to explore the differences between two commonly confused phrases: understanding “to allow” and “to be allowed.” Both are important for expressing permission, however they are used in different ways. Let’s break it down so you can use them correctly and confidently in your daily conversations.
What Do “To Allow” and “To Be Allowed” Mean?
“To allow” means to give permission to someone to do something. It’s an action performed by someone (the subject) who has the authority to grant permission.
For example:
- My parents allow me to stay up late on weekends.
- The teacher allows students to use dictionaries during the test.
“To be allowed” means having permission to do something. It focuses on the person who receives the permission rather than the person who gives it.
For example:
- I am allowed to stay up late on weekends.
- Students are allowed to use dictionaries during the test.
The Structure of “To Allow” and “To Be Allowed”
“To Allow”
The structure for “to allow” is: Subject (who gives permission) + allow + Object (who receives permission) + to + Base Verb (the action)
Examples:
- My boss allows me to take breaks whenever I need.
- She allows her children to watch TV after dinner.
“To Be Allowed”
The structure for “to be allowed” is: Subject (who receives permission) + be (am/is/are) + allowed + to + Base Verb (the action)
Examples:
- I am allowed to take breaks whenever I need.
- They are allowed to watch TV after dinner.
Positive, Negative, and Question Forms
“To Allow”
Positive:
- He allows his team to leave early on Fridays.
- The library allows members to borrow up to five books at a time.
Negative:
- She doesn’t allow her kids to eat junk food.
- The museum doesn’t allow visitors to take photos.
Questions:
- Do your parents allow you to drive their car?
- Does the company allow employees to work from home?
“To Be Allowed”
Positive:
- I am allowed to leave early on Fridays.
- Members are allowed to borrow up to five books at a time.
Negative:
- I am not allowed to eat junk food.
- Visitors aren’t allowed to take photos in the museum.
Questions:
- Are you allowed to drive your parents’ car?
- Are employees allowed to work from home?
Practical Examples in Everyday Situations
1- At School
- To Allow: The teacher allows students to ask questions anytime.
- To Be Allowed: Students are allowed to ask questions anytime.
2- At Work
- To Allow: The manager allows the staff to take extended lunch breaks on Fridays.
- To Be Allowed: The staff are allowed to take extended lunch breaks on Fridays.
3- At Home
- To Allow: My mom allows me to invite friends over on weekends.
- To Be Allowed: I am allowed to invite friends over on weekends.
In Public Places
- To Allow: The park allows visitors to have picnics.
- To Be Allowed: Visitors are allowed to have picnics in the park.
Tips for Using “To Allow” and “To Be Allowed”
- Identify Who Gives Permission: If you’re focusing on the person or entity giving permission, use “to allow.”
- Identify Who Receives Permission: If you’re focusing on the person or entity receiving permission, use “to be allowed.”
- Use the Correct Verb Forms: Ensure you use the correct forms of “allow” and “be” (am/is/are) depending on the subject.
- Practice Common Scenarios: Think about everyday situations where permission is given or received and practice using both structures.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Mixing Up the Structures
Incorrect: He is allowed me to use his computer. Correct: He allows me to use his computer.
Incorrect: I allow to stay out late. Correct: I am allowed to stay out late.
- Incorrect Verb Forms
Incorrect: She allow us to go to the party. Correct: She allows us to go to the party.
Incorrect: They is allowed to enter the building. Correct: They are allowed to enter the building.
- Forgetting “To” Before the Verb
Incorrect: He allows me go home early. Correct: He allows me to go home early.
Incorrect: I am allowed go to the concert. Correct: I am allowed to go to the concert.
You’ve just learned how to use “to allow” and “to be allowed” correctly. Keep practicing these structures in different situations, and soon they will become a natural part of your English conversations.
Understanding the difference between “to allow” and “to be allowed” can significantly improve your ability to express permission in English. It’s an essential part of communicating rules, permissions, and policies clearly and effectively.
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Keep practicing, stay curious, and see you next time on EnglishUs!
