Permit vs. Allow — What's the Difference?

"Permit" and "Allow" are often used interchangeably, but their connotations can differ. "Permit" suggests an element of formality, official permission, or authorization. For instance, one might need a permit to hold a public event. "Allow," on the other hand, has a more casual tone and is commonly used in everyday situations. It suggests giving someone the freedom or liberty to do something without necessarily requiring official permission.

While both "permit" and "allow" enable an action or condition, the former often requires a permit, which is a document or official agreement, whereas the latter does not. You might allow your friend to borrow a book without any formalities, but a library would permit you to borrow a book, typically through a library card system. This illustrates how "allow" can be informal and "permit" often relates to formal authorization.

The nuance between "permit" and "allow" can also be discerned in legal or regulatory contexts. Laws and regulations do not allow actions; they permit them within defined parameters. "Allow" is used more broadly, often in less formal or non-regulated circumstances. A parent might allow their child to go out with friends, but a legal guardian might need a court's permit to take a child out of the country.

In practice, "permit" can imply that there is a level of discretion or judgment involved in giving permission, while "allow" can simply mean that there is no objection to an action taking place. An employer may permit an employee to work from home, suggesting a special arrangement; conversely, the same employer may allow for flexible working hours, indicating a general policy or practice.