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Seagull Posted 11 years ago
Grammar
The usage of the verbs "allow" and "permit"
Regarding the following sentence, which of the four options below is the most appropriate to fill the bracket? Please comment on each of the four items depending on whether it is natural or not.
When I told my father about what was in my mind about my future career path, he objected to my idea and turned a deaf ear. { }
#1 He didn't allow me to become a movie actress.
#2 He didn't allow me to be a movie actress.
#3 He didn't permit me to become a movie actress.
#4 He didn't permit me to be a movie actress.
When I told my father about what was in my mind about my future career path, he objected to my idea and turned a deaf ear. { }
#1 He didn't allow me to become a movie actress.
#2 He didn't allow me to be a movie actress.
#3 He didn't permit me to become a movie actress.
#4 He didn't permit me to be a movie actress.
Top answer
It's a very odd exercise. If you object to something, you don't turn a deaf ear. There is no real evidence in the sentence that he did not allow/permit his daughter to become an actress.
- It's a very odd exercise.
- If you object to something, you don't turn a deaf ear.
- There is no real evidence in the sentence that he did not allow/permit his daughter to become an actress.
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10 Answers
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It's a very odd exercise. If you object to something, you don't turn a deaf ear. There is no real evidence in the sentence that he did not allow/permit his daughter to become an actress.
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Thank you very much Fivejedjon.
I'm sorry for my poor composition. I meant to say that a father objected to his daughter's future dream and talked her out of becoming a movie actress.
In this case, which of the four options is an appropriate English expression and which is not?
I'm sorry for my poor composition. I meant to say that a father objected to his daughter's future dream and talked her out of becoming a movie actress.
In this case, which of the four options is an appropriate English expression and which is not?
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All four are possible.
#2 is most ordinary sounding.
#3 is most formal sounding.
CJ
#2 is most ordinary sounding.
#3 is most formal sounding.
CJ
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. . . talked her out of becoming a movie actress. . . .
Then I'd be inclined to say
eg . . . persuaded her not to become a movie actress . . .
Then I'd be inclined to say
eg . . . persuaded her not to become a movie actress . . .
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Thank you for you advice, Clive.
How about this? Is it any better? -- When I told my fatehr about my future dream, he objected to my idea and told me to give it a second thought. He didn't allow me to be a movie actress.
How about this? Is it any better? -- When I told my fatehr about my future dream, he objected to my idea and told me to give it a second thought. He didn't allow me to be a movie actress.
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'did not permit' is a strong phrase. It sounds like he clearly said 'No. I will not give my permission,'.
'did not allow' is similar, but slightly less strong.
told me to give it a second thought sounds like he allowed me to make the final decision.
'did not allow' is similar, but slightly less strong.
told me to give it a second thought sounds like he allowed me to make the final decision.
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Thank you so much, Clive. I understand.
Is this okay? -- When I told my father about my future dream, he objected to my idea and told me either to continue my education or to get a practical job. He didn't allow me to become a movie actress.
Is this okay? -- When I told my father about my future dream, he objected to my idea and told me either to continue my education or to get a practical job. He didn't allow me to become a movie actress.
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Better.
Your text means that she accepted her father's authority. People sometimes do, sometimes don't.
Your text means that she accepted her father's authority. People sometimes do, sometimes don't.
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