To let and to allow

Question

Hi,sometimes I have some problems in choosing the two verbs. Please chek and comment my sentences:1. I let my designer to change the drawing as per your instructions. (here I would use "to let" and not "to allow" because it is not a permission, it´s my request addressed to my designer, to change the drawing.2. The Messe´s authorities do not allow the positioning of lights protruding the stand´s area. Here I can not use "to let" we speak about a prohibition.Please can someone tell me if I am right?thanksPamela

JohnParis · Accepted Answer

I'll have my designer change the drawing as per your instructions.

The Messe city authorities do not allow lights to protrude from the stand´s area (perimeter).

Pamela81 · Answer

Dear John,

thanks for your correction but I am not clear with sentence 1.

I am confused about the use of "to have" in the sentence. Can you explain your correction? Is "to let" totally wrong in this case?

Thanks

Pamela

JohnParis · Answer

Someone (presumably your client) has requested a change in the plans for his stand. You will have to communicate this request for a change to your designer.

You will have the designer implement the changes and then you will show the changes to your client.

"I'll let" gives me the impression that you will give permission to your designer to make the changes.

Have I gotten the context correct, Pamela?

John

Pamela81 · Answer

Dear John,

yes, you got it. It is correct. It seems unnatural to me the use of "to have" here, really can´t it be "to let"?

Thanks

PAMELA

Melon_soda · Answer

It may seem strange gramatically but in this situation 'have' is a natural way to say it in english.

Alternatively you could say,

"I will instruct my designer to change the design as per your instructions."

"I will ask my designer to change the design as per your instructions."

Pamela81 · Answer

Hi,

thank you, I understand.

Best regards

Pamela

To let and to allow

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