allow extra time

USAGE SUMMARY

"allow extra time" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it in a sentence when you want to advise someone to give themselves more time for a task or activity. Example: Before your flight, make sure to allow extra time to go through security and boarding procedures.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Attendees are encouraged to allow extra time for parking.

The New York Times

Runners were instructed to allow extra time for the AirTrain.

The New York Times - Sports

Definitely allow extra time if traveling in this region.

The Washington Post

HDTV: please allow extra time for the re-rendering of frames at HD size.

Harvard University

Students without high school physics can succeed, but should allow extra time.

Cornell University

You won't be able to move for several minutes after eating it, so allow extra time.

The New York Times - Arts

Eurostar and easyJet warned passengers departing from Paris to allow extra time for tougher security checks.

Independent

In general, allow extra time to get where you need to go.

The New York Times - Travel

Families with small children should allow extra time and set a modest goal.

The New York Times

The weather often hits hard, so visitors should allow extra time for their journeys.

The Guardian - Travel

If you are attending the Installation Ceremony we ask that you please plan accordingly and allow extra time.

Harvard University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When scheduling tasks with dependencies, "allow extra time" to accommodate potential delays in earlier steps, ensuring a smooth workflow.

Common error

Avoid only adding a minimal amount of extra time; realistically assess potential delays and generously "allow extra time" to prevent rushing or compromising quality.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "allow extra time" functions as an imperative, primarily used to give advice or make a recommendation. Ludwig AI confirms that this phrase is correct and usable in English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Academia

23%

Wiki

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Science

4%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "allow extra time" is a very common and grammatically correct imperative used to advise someone to budget more time for an activity, especially when delays are possible. As Ludwig AI highlights, this phrase is broadly applicable. It's most frequently found in news and media, as well as academic and general contexts. When seeking alternatives, consider options like "allocate more time" or "plan for extra time". Remember to realistically assess potential delays and generously "allow extra time" to avoid rushing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

budget additional time

Replaces "allow" with "budget", emphasizing planning and allocation of time.

plan for extra time

Focuses on the planning aspect of allocating more time.

allocate more time

Uses "allocate" to highlight a deliberate distribution of time.

provide ample time

Replaces "extra" with "ample", stressing the sufficiency of the time provided.

leave more time

Highlights the act of leaving a longer duration for a task or journey.

give yourself more time

Emphasizes self-allowance of time.

pad your schedule

Uses a more informal tone to suggest adding buffer time to a schedule.

factor in extra time

Suggests considering and including additional time in calculations.

build in buffer time

Recommends incorporating a safety margin of time.

set aside more time

Emphasizes the action of reserving additional time for a specific purpose.

FAQs

How can I use "allow extra time" in a sentence?

You can use "allow extra time" to advise someone to plan for potential delays. For example, "If you're traveling during rush hour, "allow extra time" to reach your destination".

What's a more formal way to say "allow extra time"?

In formal contexts, consider using phrases like "allocate more time" or "budget additional time". These options convey a similar meaning with a slightly more professional tone.

What can I say instead of "allow extra time" when referring to a schedule?

When discussing schedules, you might use "pad your schedule" or "build in buffer time". These phrases specifically suggest adding extra time as a precaution.

When is it most important to "allow extra time"?

It's crucial to "allow extra time" during situations with unpredictable variables, such as travel during peak seasons, complex projects with many steps, or when dealing with unfamiliar tasks.