I allowed him

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I allowed him" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when indicating that you gave someone permission to do something. Example: "I allowed him to borrow my car for the weekend."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

28 human-written examples

I allowed him that, and with the quietest nod.

The New York Times

I allowed him to lead me, as I practiced kicking, to the five-foot mark.

The New York Times

I allowed him to play the way he did," Taylor, whose contribution was 34, says.

The Guardian - Sport

"He did start playing more offence but I thought that I allowed him to have this opportunity.

The Guardian - Sport

"I allowed him to have temporary shelter," Ms Suu Kyi said when asked about claims that she had given him food and let him stay.

Independent

"If I allowed him to defy the civil authorities in this manner, I myself would be violating my oath to uphold and defend the Constitution".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

30 human-written examples

I think it allowed him literary license, though, to get away with things he might not otherwise have".

The New York Times

And I allow him to say it.

The Guardian - Books

How often should I allow him to lose?

The New York Times

But I allow him to be more effeminate than I'd ever be.

The New York Times

"Could I have one of you?" he asks, and I allow him to take a picture.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "I allowed him", ensure the context clearly indicates what action was permitted and the reason behind the allowance. This clarifies the intention and prevents ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "I allowed him" when the situation implies negligence or failure to prevent harm. Choose stronger, more direct language to acknowledge responsibility if you were in a position to prevent a negative outcome.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I allowed him" functions as a declarative statement, indicating that the speaker granted permission or gave consent for someone (him) to perform a certain action. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

12%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Academia

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "I allowed him" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression to indicate that the speaker granted permission or consent for someone to perform an action. Ludwig AI confirms this. It finds frequent use in News & Media as well as Scientific contexts and carries a neutral tone. When choosing this phrase, consider the specific nuance you want to convey – alternatives like "I permitted him" offer a more formal option, while "I let him" presents a more informal alternative. Remember to carefully evaluate the context, ensuring that "I allowed him" accurately reflects the degree of responsibility and authorization in the situation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I permitted him

Uses a more formal synonym for 'allowed', suggesting a more official or explicit granting of permission.

I let him

A more informal and direct way of expressing permission.

I authorized him

Implies a formal approval or endorsement.

I gave him leave to

A more formal and somewhat archaic way of granting permission.

I enabled him

Focuses on providing the means or opportunity for someone to do something.

I consented to his

Highlights agreement or compliance with someone's actions.

I approved of his

Emphasizes positive endorsement or acceptance.

I suffered him to

Suggests tolerating or putting up with something, rather than actively permitting it.

I gave him the green light

An idiomatic expression meaning to give permission or approval.

I okayed it for him

A colloquial way of saying that you gave your approval.

FAQs

How can I use "I allowed him" in a sentence?

Use "I allowed him" to express that you gave someone permission to do something. For example, "I allowed him to borrow my book" or "I allowed him to speak first".

What can I say instead of "I allowed him"?

You can use alternatives like "I permitted him", "I let him", or "I authorized him" depending on the context.

Is "I allowed him" formal or informal?

"I allowed him" is generally considered neutral in tone. For more formal contexts, "I permitted him" might be more appropriate. "I let him" is more informal.

What is the difference between "I allowed him" and "I enabled him"?

"I allowed him" implies granting permission for a specific action. "I enabled him" suggests providing the means or opportunity for someone to do something, not necessarily with explicit permission.