allow for

USAGE SUMMARY

"allow for" is a correct and usable phrasal verb in written English.
It is used to mean "to make allowances or provisions for something." For example, "We must allow for human error when making predictions."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Output jacks allow for amplification.

The New York Times - Tech

"This doesn't allow for tepid".

The New York Times - Arts

But those guidelines allow for discretion.

The New York Times - Arts

The preliminary charges allow for further investigation.

The New York Times

Electronic tollbooths certainly allow for more control.

The Economist

The structures did allow for some soloing.

The New York Times - Arts

But they allow for plenty of squabbling.

The Economist

This show doesn't allow for that".

The New York Times

It doesn't allow for capital expenditures.

Forbes

Moreover, we will allow for correlated features.

Plosone

Stairs allow for more exits.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "allow for", ensure that the context clearly indicates what is being taken into account. For example, "The design must allow for future expansion" is more precise than simply "The design must allow."

Common error

Avoid using "allow for" without specifying what is being allowed for. Ambiguous statements like "We need to allow for it" lack clarity. Instead, clearly state what needs to be considered: "We need to "allow for potential delays" in the project timeline."

Linguistic Context

The phrasal verb "allow for" functions as a transitive verb. As per Ludwig AI, it signifies the act of making provisions or taking something into consideration. It typically requires an object, indicating what is being accounted for.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Wiki

32%

News & Media

32%

Science

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrasal verb "allow for" means to take something into consideration or make provisions for it. Ludwig AI confirms that this is correct and usable in written English. It is commonly used across diverse contexts, including news, wikis, and scientific texts, suggesting a neutral formality level. To use it effectively, clearly specify what you are allowing for to avoid ambiguity. Consider alternatives like "take into account" or "provide for" for nuanced variations in meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

take into account

Focuses on considering something when making a decision.

make allowances for

Highlights making exceptions or understanding limitations.

consider

A more general term for thinking about something.

provide for

Emphasizes ensuring something is available or prepared.

factor in

Implies including something as a variable in a calculation or plan.

bear in mind

Highlights remembering or keeping something in awareness.

account for

Stresses explaining or justifying something.

plan for

Focuses on making preparations to accommodate something.

make provision for

A more formal alternative meaning to prepare for something.

anticipate

Focuses on expecting something and preparing for it.

FAQs

How to use "allow for" in a sentence?

The phrase "allow for" means to take something into account or make provision for it. For example, "The budget should "allow for unexpected expenses"" or "The schedule needs to "allow for travel time"".

What can I say instead of "allow for"?

You can use alternatives such as "take into account", "consider", or "provide for" depending on the specific context.

What is the difference between "allow for" and "account for"?

"Allow for" means to make provision for something, while "account for" means to explain or justify something. For example, you might "allow for traffic delays" in your travel plans, but you would "account for the missing funds" in an audit.

Is it correct to say "allow for the possibility of"?

Yes, it's perfectly correct. Saying "allow for the possibility of" something happening means to take into consideration that something might occur. For example, "We need to "allow for the possibility of rain" during the outdoor event".