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Taka Posted 13 years ago
Grammar

Let

DIctionaries say semantically these are almost the same:

This money allows me to buy a car?With this money, I can buy a car.

Also, they say "allow" is the same in meaning as "let."

Then, does this replacement work and make the same sense? If not, why not?

This money let me buy a car.
  

Top answer

Taka This money allows me to buy a car I wouldn't use allow in a sentence like this. I might say This money enables me to buy a car. (= makes it possible) Taka This money let me buy a car.

— Cool Breeze

  • Taka This money allows me to buy a car I wouldn't use allow in a sentence like this.
  • I might say This money enables me to buy a car.
  • (= makes it possible) Taka This money let me buy a car.
  • No.
  • Besides, let would be a past tense form as it has no s.
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7 Answers
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TakaThis money allows me to buy a car
I wouldn't use allow in a sentence like this. I might say This money enables me to buy a car.(= makes it possible)
TakaThis money let me buy a car.
No. Besides, let would be a past tense form as it has no s.

CB
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Sorry, I forgot to put the s there.

So even this one doesn't work? Why not?

This money lets me buy a car.
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Let has these meanings as a transitive verb:

let, v., let, let·ting, n.
–v.t.
1. to allow or permit: to let him escape.
2. to allow to pass, go, or come: to let us through.
3. to
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Your definition #1 says it's the same as "allow", but don't you think they are interchangeable?

Or are you saying that even "This money allows me to buy a car" sounds wrong?
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TakaOr are you saying that even "This money allows me to buy a car" sounds wrong?
Yes. - CB
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Really? That example is from a dictionary I have.

Well, let's see what others have to say.
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TakaThis money allows me to buy a car?With this money, I can buy a car.
I would agree with your dictionary. To me, "let" has the connotation of authority and therefore feel more forceful to the recipient as in " I let you stay only if you agree to ...". "Allow" on the other hand has the connotation of granting (privilege, opportunity ability etc..)
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