Words that sound alike but have different meanings can be confusing. One such pair of words that people often mix up is "allowed" and "aloud." Although they may sound similar, they have distinct meanings and uses. In this article, we will discuss the difference between allowed and aloud.
Allowed
The word "allowed" is a verb that means to give permission or let something happen. It is often used in the context of rules, laws or policies. For example, a school may have a policy that allows students to bring their own lunch. Or a company may allow its employees to work from home on certain days.
The past tense of "allowed" is "allowed," and the past participle is also "allowed." For example, "I was allowed to leave early yesterday" or "The use of mobile phones is not allowed in the exam hall."
Here are some examples of how to use "allowed" in a sentence:
- The museum doesn't allow photography inside.
- Are we allowed to bring our own food to the party?
- He was allowed to take a day off from work.
Aloud
The word "aloud" is an adverb that means to speak out loud or make sounds that can be heard. It is often used in the context of reading or speaking. For example, a teacher may ask a student to read a passage aloud in class. Or a singer may sing a song aloud on stage.
Here are some examples of how to use "aloud" in a sentence:
- She read the poem aloud to the class.
- He laughed aloud at the joke.
- The speaker spoke aloud and clearly so everyone could hear him.
How to Remember the Difference
One way to remember the difference between "allowed" and "aloud" is to associate "allowed" with permission and "aloud" with sound. "Allowed" has the word "allow" in it, which suggests permission. "Aloud" has the word "loud" in it, which suggests sound.
Another way to remember the difference is to think of the phrase "say it aloud" which means to speak something out loud. This can help you remember that "aloud" is used in the context of sound.
Conclusion
Now that you know the difference between "allowed" and "aloud," you can use them correctly in your writing and speaking. Remember that "allowed" means to give permission or let something happen, while "aloud" means to speak out loud or make sounds that can be heard. With a little practice, you can master the use of these words and avoid common mistakes.