“Aloud” and “allowed” sound the same. However, these terms also have very different meanings, so you won’t want to confuse them in writing. To make sure your work is always error free, then, check out our guide below.
“Aloud” is an adverb (i.e., it modifies a verb). We use it to show that something was said “out loud.” For example, we could say:
He read the letter aloud so that his family could hear.
They laughed aloud when they saw the man fall over.
As such, this term means “at an audible volume.” And if you ever struggle to remember this, the fact it contains the word “loud” is a helpful reminder.
The verb “allow” means “give permission.” And the simple past tense and past participle form of this word is “allowed.” We thus use it when permission has been given for something. For instance:
I am not allowed to run with scissors.
It can also indicate that someone has let someone have something:
Subscribe to our newsletter and get writing tips from our editors straight to your inbox.
We allowed you a lot of freedom growing up.
In addition, “allowed” can mean “set apart” for a purpose, such as in:
I allowed myself an hour for preparation.
In all cases, though, “allowed” is the past tense of the verb “allow.”
These terms are very different in meaning, so mixing them up could look bad. However, they are also different in spelling, so it should be easy to tell them apart. Try to remember the following definitions:
If you struggle to recall which is which, keep in mind that saying something “aloud” is the same as saying it “out loud.” And since “aloud” contains “loud,” this term almost defines itself! Finally, if you’d like further help ensuring your writing is error free, just let us know.
Δ
2-minute read
If you’re writing about health issues, you might need to reference the Centers for Disease...
5-minute read
Introduction If you’re involved with ecommerce, you’re likely familiar with the often painstaking process of...
3-minute read
Are you interested in learning more about the role of a content editor and the...
4-minute read
Proofreading is important to ensure your writing is clear and concise for your readers. Whether...
Creating presentations can be time-consuming and frustrating. Trying to construct a visually appealing and informative...
No matter your industry, conducting market research helps you keep up to date with shifting...