2
Eventually he gave me the permission to stay at home.
Eventually he gave me (his) permission to stay at home. (their/his mother’s/the headmaster’s) permission but NOT the permission: ‘I’m sure that they’ll let you use the library but it’s better to have official permission.’ permit Overpopulation doesn’t permit these countries to develop.
Overpopulation stops/prevents these countries from developing. Permit is used in situations where there is a rule, law or authority that controls what people can do: The law permits foreign investors to own up to 25% of British companies.’ ‘As children we were never permitted to leave the table until everyone had finished.’ person 1
Very soon every person will have a portable computer.
Very soon everyone will have a portable computer. Any person can vote in the election.
Anyone can vote in the election. everyone/anyone etc (NOT every/any person): ‘Not everyone has leadership potential.’ See also PEOPLE 1 2
Her husband talked so much that all the other persons in the room had to keep
quiet.
Her husband talked so much that all the other people in the room had to keep quiet. The plural of person is usually people: ‘Thousands of people had gathered outside the palace to catch a glimpse of the new princess.’ Persons is used mainly in public notices and other formal contexts: ‘Seating capacity - 12 persons.’ personal The meals can be improved if the canteen personal agree to cooperate.
