allot

USAGE SUMMARY

'allot' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use 'allot' when talking about assigning or apportioning a portion of something. For example, "The professor allotted 20 minutes to each student for their presentation."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Leaders of the Siletz tribe, by contrast, allot 40% of the casino's net revenues to per capita payments and only 17% towards economic development.

The Economist

Norway started the trend, and now requires stockmarket-listed companies to allot at least 40% of board seats to women.

The Economist

If parliament endorses this package, Mr Maliki will have 30 days to allot the entire gamut of ministries.

The Economist

Critics talk about Mr Obama's decision not to allot money to Amtrak's densely populated north-east corridor, the most logical location for high-speed rail in America, as a failure.

The Economist

They would then allot obligations, which producers could trade.A scheme like this would have several advantages.

The Economist

After three decades in power in West Bengal, the party has become a vast patronage-dispensing machine, with a cell in every village to allot government jobs and settle disputes.

The Economist

He thinks that useful languages should allot words in order to minimise the perceptual difference between colours of the same category, and maximise it between colours in different categories.

The Economist

Instead of giving cash to local operators on trafficking routes, they would allot them a share of the shipment.

The Economist

On the eve of the consular elections for 59 bce, the Senate sought to allot to the two future consuls for 59 bce, as their proconsular provinces, the unprofitable supervision of forests and cattle trails in Italy.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The pennies of William II have nothing in their legend to distinguish them from his father's issues, but it is possible to allot eight types to William I and five to his son.

Encyclopedia Britannica

One consequence of this focus on male readers is that magazines such as Sports Illustrated and The Sporting News provide minimal coverage of women's sports (and tend to emphasize the erotic appeal of female athletes when they do allot space to women's sports).

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "allot" when you want to emphasize the act of distributing or assigning something, whether it's time, resources, or responsibilities.

Common error

Avoid using "allot" when a more precise verb like "allocate" or "assign" would better reflect the specific context. "Allot" is general and may not convey the intended nuance in formal settings.

Linguistic Context

The primary function of "allot" is as a transitive verb, meaning it requires a direct object. It describes the act of assigning or distributing something, often resources, time, or responsibilities. Ludwig shows many examples of its usage in assigning funds or spaces.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Encyclopedias

16%

Wiki

2%

Less common in

Science

4%

Formal & Business

4%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "allot" is a versatile verb used to describe the act of assigning or distributing something. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and frequent usage across various contexts, particularly in news and media. While generally neutral in tone, it can be adapted to formal settings. When choosing alternatives, consider verbs like allocate, assign, and distribute, but ensure the best fit for your intended meaning. When you want to emphasize the act of distributing or assigning something, whether it's time, resources, or responsibilities, "allot" will be the best option.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

allocate

Similar to "allot", but often used in more formal or official contexts.

assign

Implies a more specific or designated allocation.

distribute

Focuses on the act of spreading something out among a group.

apportion

Emphasizes a fair or proportional distribution.

designate

Highlights the act of specifying something for a particular purpose.

grant

Suggests a formal or official allocation, often of resources or rights.

award

Implies a bestowal, often in recognition of merit or achievement.

set aside

Focuses on reserving something for a specific future use.

earmark

Highlights the act of designating funds for a particular purpose.

mete out

Implies dispensing something, often punishment or justice, in a measured way.

FAQs

How can I use "allot" in a sentence?

You can use "allot" to describe the action of assigning or distributing something. For example, "The manager will "allot" tasks to each team member".

What are some alternatives to "allot"?

Alternatives to "allot" include "allocate", "assign", "distribute", and "apportion". The best choice depends on the specific context.

What's the difference between "allot" and "allocate"?

"Allot" generally means to assign or distribute, while "allocate" often implies a more formal or official distribution, particularly of resources.

Is it correct to use "allot" in a formal context?

Yes, "allot" is acceptable in formal contexts, though verbs like "allocate", "assign", or "designate" might be more precise and appropriate depending on the specific situation.