allow for a possibility

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "allow for a possibility" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing the need to consider or make room for a potential outcome or scenario. Example: "In our planning, we must allow for a possibility of unexpected delays in the project timeline."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

Equation (1) includes the change of the fraction of the young and young adult population to the total population to allow for a possibility that young workers belonging to a cohort of a larger population size may have harder time finding a job, which is conceptualized as the cohort-crowding effect (Welch 1979, Korenman and Neumark 2000and Shimer 2001).

IZA Journal of Labor Policy

We need to allow for a possibility that other mechanisms also contribute to symmetrical chromosome re-arrangements.

Plosone

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

So under the Amendment, even Tennessee's 10-year residency requirement wouldn't run afoul of the dormant Commerce Clause, the two claimed, although they allowed for a possibility that it would run afoul of another constitutional provision, such as the Fourteenth Amendment.

Forbes

IV analysis further corrected the results toward no difference in the odds of cGVHD between PBSCT vs. BMT, allowing for a possibility of beneficial effects of MTX in preventing cGVHD in PBSCT recipients (OR 1.14; 95%CI 0.83-1.56).

BMC Medical Research Methodology

It doesn't allow for a what-if possibility.

The New York Times

The fact that European law does not allow for such a possibility would make the situation messier, but in the end voters would have their way.

The New York Times

The department finally agreed to post a listing for a specialist in "U.S. and the world," he said, "the sort of mushy description that could allow for a lot of possibilities".

The New York Times - Books

This would allow for a number of different possibilities, like setting different levels of security for home, work and the rest of the world, for instance.

TechCrunch

While our goal is to minimize any out-of-pocket expenses for participants, applicants may also wish to explore possibilities for supplementary sources of funding to allow for a wider range of accommodations possibilities, etc. within the City of Venice.

Duke University

Primary conceivability and possibility are then argued to allow for an entailment between conceivability and possibility.

SEP

To allow for this possibility, a common SLK is now used in a number of data collections on government community services programs, including those relating to aged care and disability [ 1- 3].

BMC Health Services Research

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When outlining project plans, explicitly "allow for a possibility" of unexpected delays to manage stakeholder expectations effectively.

Common error

Avoid dismissing less likely scenarios entirely. While focusing on the most probable outcomes is practical, failing to "allow for a possibility", however remote, can lead to significant vulnerabilities.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "allow for a possibility" functions as a verb phrase that introduces the consideration of a potential event or circumstance. It signals preparedness and acknowledgment of uncertainty. Ludwig confirms that the phrase is correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

33%

Academia

33%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "allow for a possibility" is a grammatically sound and versatile expression used to advocate for the consideration of potential outcomes. Ludwig AI indicates that the phrase is appropriate for general use. It's found across news, academic, and scientific domains, suggesting a neutral register. While not exceedingly common, mastering its usage can add nuance to your writing by demonstrating foresight and planning. Remember to use alternatives like "consider a potential" or "take into account a contingency" to tailor your expression to the context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

consider a potential

Focuses on the act of thinking about something that could happen.

account for a chance

Highlights the importance of including a chance in calculations or plans.

provide for an opportunity

Emphasizes the creation or making available of an opportunity.

make allowance for an option

Focuses on setting aside room or resources for a specific option.

take into account a contingency

Stresses the inclusion of a possible future event or circumstance.

factor in a prospect

Highlights the incorporation of a potential outcome as a factor in decision-making.

be prepared for a contingency

Emphasizes readiness and foresight in anticipation of a possible event.

anticipate an eventuality

Focuses on foreseeing a possible future occurrence.

envisage a scenario

Highlights the mental visualization of a possible situation.

entertain an idea

Suggests considering a notion, belief, or suggestion.

FAQs

How can I use "allow for a possibility" in a sentence?

You can use "allow for a possibility" to express the need to consider a potential outcome, such as "We should allow for a possibility of technical difficulties during the presentation".

What's a good alternative to "allow for a possibility"?

Alternatives include "consider a potential", "account for a chance", or "take into account a contingency", depending on the specific context.

Is it better to say "allow for a possibility" or "consider a possibility"?

"Allow for a possibility" implies making provisions or preparations, while "consider a potential" simply means to think about it. The best choice depends on whether you are just thinking about it or actively preparing for it.

When is it appropriate to use "allow for a possibility" in writing?

Use "allow for a possibility" in situations where you are discussing plans, predictions, or assessments and want to acknowledge that other outcomes, even unexpected ones, are possible.