admit of

USAGE SUMMARY

'admit of' is correct and usable in written English.
It is usually used in a formal context to mean to allow something to happen or be the case. Example: The mayor's proposal to build a new pathway across the park did not admit of any debate.

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Substance, then, does not admit of variation of degree.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Quantity does not, it appears, admit of variation of degree.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

And one has to admit of the Holy Father that he doesn't play so well.

The New York Times - Arts

"I think they will admit of both constructions, so you may choose".

The New Yorker

The reasonable limits of an opinion do not admit of its extended discussion.

Cornell University

The category of quantity, therefore, does not admit of variation of degree.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Substance, again, does not appear to admit of variation of degree.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Of these things some puzzle us, while others admit of explanation in some degree.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

But privative terms in their character of privatives admit of no subdivision.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

The words of the statute do not admit of the qualification upon which the applicant insists.

Cornell University

The Wye meeting will not be allowed to fail; diplomacy does not admit of public flops.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Prefer alternatives such as "allow for" or "permit" to reach a broader audience in less formal contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "admit of" in casual conversation or informal writing. It can sound stilted or pretentious. Opt for simpler alternatives like "allows" or "permits" for a more natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "admit of" functions as a verb phrase, indicating that something allows or is capable of a particular interpretation or outcome. This is supported by Ludwig AI, which confirms its correct usage in written English. Examples in Ludwig show how it conveys possibility or permissibility.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Academia

38%

Science

23%

News & Media

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

13%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "admit of" is a grammatically correct and frequently used verb phrase, particularly in formal and academic contexts. It signifies that something allows for or is open to a specific interpretation or outcome, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. While it is appropriate for precise and structured writing, simpler alternatives like "allow for" or "permit" may be more suitable for informal settings. It's usage is very common across diverse authoritative sources like academic papers, news articles and encyclopedias.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

allow for

Focuses on the act of making something possible or not preventing it.

permit

Emphasizes formal or explicit permission.

be susceptible to

Highlights vulnerability or openness to influence.

be open to

Indicates a willingness to consider or accept something.

be subject to

Suggests that something is necessarily affected by something else.

lend itself to

Implies that something is well-suited or adaptable to a particular use.

give rise to

Focuses on the creation or causation of something.

be liable to

Indicates a risk or probability of something happening.

be prone to

Suggests a tendency or inclination toward something.

accommodate

Highlights the ability to fit or contain something.

FAQs

How can I use "admit of" in a sentence?

You can use "admit of" to indicate that something allows for a certain possibility or interpretation. For example, "The evidence does not admit of any other explanation."

What does "admit of" mean?

"Admit of" means to allow or be capable of something. It suggests that something can accommodate or permit a certain outcome or interpretation.

Which is more appropriate, "admit of" or "allow for"?

"Admit of" is more formal and suggests a necessary consequence or interpretation, whereas "allow for" is more general and suggests a possibility or provision. The choice depends on the context and desired level of formality.

What are some synonyms for "admit of"?

Some synonyms for "admit of" include "allow for", "permit", "be subject to", and "be open to". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.