allotment

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "allotment" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a portion of something (time, money, shares, etc.) that has been assigned or assigned to a particular person or group, or the act of assigning or allocating something. Example sentence: The company allotted a portion of its profits to each employee.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I have two on the allotment: they are invaluable for tubers, and can store cabbages for a month or so if the roots are kept on.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

One offered board and lodging and part of his allotment to work on so that he would both be occupied and have lots of nutritious food to eat.

The Guardian

I was helping my father in the allotment when we heard this awful drone.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

In a bid to make the show feel even more gritty and authentic, and to pick up on the pop zeitgeist of using DIY props following Miley Cyrus's hammer-licking escapades in 2013, contestants now perform in a garage owned by 2010 winner Matt Cardle (the mooted 2017 venue is Wagner's allotment).

The Guardian - Music

The community allotment 15.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

When the war ended however, allotment demand declined.

The Economist

While the use of the initial TARP allotment has prevented any immediate collapse, it seems clear that fears of insolvency (and actual insolvency) are going to remain a problem.

The Economist

Private landowners might be drawn in as well.But allowing wealthy gardeners to queue-barge would run against the spirit and history of the allotment movement.

The Economist

Fast-growing Nevada, especially thirsty Las Vegas, wants its full allotment back; and more, if it can get it.

The Economist

When Nevada needs the water, it takes out of the river its share, plus some of Arizona's unused allotment, and issues a credit.

The Economist

The remaining disappointed applicants can either get their money back, or loan it to the Tatas (at an interest rate of 8.5% for up to two years and 8.75% for longer) until the company is ready to complete the order.Suppose the initial allotment of cars is subscribed twice over: Tata Motors will get an immediate cash infusion of more than 20 billion rupees.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In formal writing, "allotment" is suitable when referring to a defined share or portion, especially in financial or legal contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "allocation" interchangeably with "allotment" in contexts where a specific piece of land is meant. "Allocation" is a more general term for distributing resources, while "allotment" often implies a designated plot or amount for individual use.

Linguistic Context

The noun "allotment" primarily functions as a countable noun, referring to a specific share or portion of something, whether it's land, resources, or rights. Ludwig provides numerous examples where "allotment" signifies a designated quantity or area assigned for a particular purpose.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Encyclopedias

30%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Academia

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "allotment" is a versatile noun signifying a designated share, portion, or area, frequently encountered in diverse contexts ranging from news and media to encyclopedias. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and widely used in written English. It functions primarily to specify how resources or rights are distributed. While synonyms like "allocation" and "apportionment" exist, "allotment" is particularly useful when referring to land designated for cultivation. Therefore, careful consideration of the context ensures precise and effective communication using the term "allotment".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

allocation of resources

Focuses specifically on the distribution of available resources.

assigned portion

Highlights the aspect of something being specifically assigned.

share distribution

Emphasizes distributing a share among multiple recipients.

quota allocation

Implies a specific, often limited, quantity being assigned.

rationed amount

Suggests a controlled distribution, often during scarcity.

grant allocation

Refers to the process of allocation that is for grants.

apportioned segment

Highlights a segment or section that has been formally divided.

designated quantity

Implies that a specific quantity has been assigned for a particular purpose.

division of land

Specifically refers to the act of dividing and distributing land.

awarded allowance

Emphasizes the aspect of something being formally awarded or permitted.

FAQs

How is "allotment" used in a sentence?

The term "allotment" can refer to a share or portion that is assigned or allocated, as in "Each member received an allotment of shares". It can also refer to a plot of land rented for cultivation.

What are some synonyms for "allotment"?

Alternatives to "allotment" include "allocation", "apportionment", and "share", depending on the specific context. These words all convey a sense of distribution or assignment.

Which is correct, "allotment" or "allocation"?

"Allotment" and "allocation" are both correct but have slightly different meanings. "Allotment" often refers to a specific, assigned portion, particularly of land, while "allocation" is a more general term for distributing resources.

What's the difference between "allotment" and "allowance"?

While both involve assigning something, "allotment" often refers to a more formal or structured distribution, such as land or shares, while "allowance" typically implies a regular, often smaller, provision, such as money.