allow

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "allow" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to mean "to give permission or to make something possible". For example, "The teacher allowed the student to retake the test."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The rules do allow, however, for former employees collecting retirement benefits to serve as independent directors.

The New York Times

It seems improbable that they will simply vanish (the way a bank like IndyMac did), because the government won't allow it.

The Economist

I am highly sceptical about this: Nicky Morgan as education secretary, in my view, has shown no commitment to protect education spending, or allow for inflation or increased pupil numbers.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Bowing the knee to Angela Merkel would allow Greece to get access to the short-term finance that will allow it to pay its debts, but it will be political suicide for Syriza.

The Guardian - Business

There is no evidence of the preliminary tentative mark, of the initial hesitant touch of the pencil or crayon that would allow the artist to get his bearings and select the position for the first expressive line.

The Guardian - Arts

Downing Street defended its decision to allow a free vote for the second reading while imposing a three-line whip on the programme motion.

The Guardian

The residency permit will allow Snowden to travel out of Russia for the first time, provided he does not stay outside the country for more than three months at a time, Kucherena said.

The Guardian

When I was a Guardian reporter in Belfast, it was as well to allow plenty of time when phoning him, for he had a fund of stories.

The Guardian

The kernel is also expanded with kernel extensions (kexts) that allow it to manage hardware features like peripherals, graphics cards, bluetooth, Wi-Fi and the hard drive.

The Guardian - Tech

It also should be positive for sentiment because it would allow investors to focus on the Indian operations where the news around price increases has been encouraging.

The Guardian - Business

Ancelotti added weight to his frontline by replacing the midfielder Thiago Motta with Gameiro and the newcomer's tricky dribble caused enough confusion in the Valencia defence to allow Lavezzi to finish.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "allow", ensure the context clearly indicates who is granting permission and who or what is receiving it. Clarity prevents ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "allow to for". The correct structure is "allow for" (to take into account) or "allow [someone] to do [something]" (to permit).

Linguistic Context

The verb "allow" primarily functions as a transitive verb, requiring a direct object. It signifies granting permission or making something possible. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and frequent usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "allow" is a versatile verb used to grant permission or make something possible. As Ludwig AI confirms, it’s grammatically correct and very common, especially in news and media. While synonyms like ""permit"", "let", and ""enable"" can be used as alternatives, "allow" maintains a neutral register suitable for diverse contexts. Remember to use the correct prepositional structure ("allow for" or "allow [someone] to do [something]") to avoid common errors. Its frequency and varied applications make "allow" a key component of effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

permit

A more formal synonym for granting permission.

let

A more informal and direct way of saying to give permission.

authorize

Implies giving official permission or approval.

enable

Focuses on making something possible or providing the means.

grant

Suggests a formal or legal concession.

give permission

A more explicit way of stating the act of permitting.

provide for

Indicates making arrangements or taking measures to make something possible.

make possible

Highlights the act of creating an opportunity or condition.

sanction

Implies official approval or authorization, often in a regulatory context.

countenance

Suggests tolerating or giving tacit approval to something.

FAQs

How to use "allow" in a sentence?

The word "allow" can be used in various contexts to indicate permission or possibility. For example, "The rules "permit" former employees to collect retirement benefits" or "We "enable" users to reclaim their digital soul".

What can I say instead of "allow"?

You can use alternatives like ""permit"", "let", or ""enable"" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "allow to do" or "allow doing"?

"Allow to do" is generally correct when you mean to give permission. "Allow doing" is less common and usually used when 'doing' is a gerund functioning as a noun, for example, "The system does not "permit" changes to diagnosis".

What's the difference between "allow" and "enable"?

"Allow" typically means to give permission, while "enable" means to make something possible. For example, "The government will "permit" dual nationals to join terrorist groups" vs. "Kernel extensions "make possible" hardware features like peripherals".