Allowed and Aloud

Yes, there’s a difference! Just to be honest, this one annoys me quite a lot, and I know I’m not the only one. It’s a common mistake because they sound very similar, but the definitions are completely different. Here’s an explanation and some examples to help you out if you get them mixed up!

Allowed

This word means to have permission to do something or to be able to do something. Also take note that these two words have a slightly different pronunciation, and “allowed” has a clearer “w” sound.

I’m allowed to go to the park with you tomorrow.
He was allowed to play on the monkey bars.
She told me she was allowed to buy an ice cream.

Aloud

If you say something aloud, you are saying it out loud. This is easy to remember because “loud” is in the word and in the definition.

He said aloud that he was going to the swings.
If you say you don’t want to go to the park aloud, John will be sad.
She is sitting at the top of the slide reading her book aloud.

It’s important that you stop and think about the definitions if you’re unsure about these two words. Even though it’s a common mistake, it’s one that no reader wants to see in your writing, so double check whenever you use “allowed” or “aloud”. Got another grammar mistake you see often? Leave me a comment and I’ll write a tutorial on it!