Used and loved by millions
Since I tried Ludwig back in 2017, I have been constantly using it in both editing and translation. Ever since, I suggest it to my translators at ProSciEditing.

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
allow for approximately
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
The phrase "allow for approximately" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when indicating that a certain amount of time, space, or resources should be considered or set aside for a specific purpose. Example: "When planning the event, please allow for approximately two hours for setup and preparation."
✓ Grammatically correct
Science
Wiki
News & Media
Alternative expressions(1)
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified examples from authoritative sources
Exact Expressions
9 human-written examples
Grammatical frameworks that seem to allow for approximately the right degree of mild context sensitivity include Head Grammar, Tree-Adjoining Grammar (TAG), Combinatory Categorial Grammar (CCG), and Linear Indexed Grammar (LIG).
Science
For example, in the case of the 12-km to 4-km downscaling step, a search radius of 27 km is used to limit the influence of distant data but allow for approximately twenty-one 12-km grid cells to estimate the model parameters for temperature and precipitation for each 4-km grid cell with the closest cell having the most influence.
Science
A total of 240 patients will be randomised to allow for approximately 20% of the randomised patients with major protocol deviations or withdrawal.
Science
To allow for approximately 25%% attrition, the target sample size has been inflated from 28 per arm to 36 participants per arm.
Science
They were then treated with various concentrations of drug over two to three log orders of concentration and left for 72 h to allow for approximately three to four doublings (∼10-fold increase in control cell number) over the duration of the drug exposure.
Science
To enroll these participants we will recruit 90 general practices and 2250 patients across New South Wales and Victorian study locations (to allow for approximately 10% drop out rate of practices) and randomise 30 practices to each arm of the study.
Science
Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources
Similar Expressions
51 human-written examples
This allowed for approximately 75% of the backbone of both VP4 and VP5 to be successfully built by Rosetta.
Science & Research
The robotic suit is powered by hydraulics and a battery in the backpack allows for approximately two hours of use.
News & Media
The configuration of the deep articular sockets and tight joint capsule allows for approximately 20° flexion-extension while constraining both rotation and lateral flexion.
Science
In practice, some spontaneous loss of capacity is sometimes observed around this point, which can be allowed for approximately by adjusting the slope of the 'uncongested' relationship by a factor β (typically in the range 1.00 1.15), thus: upalpha =frac{V_f-frac{uplambda upmu}{1-uptau upmu}}{nupbeta upmu} (5).
Percentage of positive fluorescent expression in the gated population was measured by applying a threshold to the sham population, allowing for approximately 5 10% of the cells to appear as positive.
Science
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
When using "allow for approximately", ensure the context involves planning or resource allocation where a precise figure is not necessary or possible. This is useful in situations where flexibility and adaptation are important.
Common error
Avoid using "allow for approximately" when precision is crucial. In situations requiring exact figures, use precise numbers instead of estimations to prevent misunderstandings or miscalculations.
Source & Trust
80%
Authority and reliability
4.1/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The phrase "allow for approximately" functions as a hedge, indicating that the subsequent value or quantity is an estimate rather than a precise measurement. It suggests making a provision or taking something into account in a flexible manner. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct.
Frequent in
Science
57%
Wiki
29%
News & Media
14%
Less common in
Formal & Business
0%
Academia
0%
Encyclopedias
0%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
In summary, the phrase "allow for approximately" is a grammatically sound way to indicate an estimated amount or time. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is valid. It appears across various contexts, including science, wikis, and news media, making it suitable for a range of writing styles from neutral to formal. When using this phrase, be mindful of the level of precision required in your context; if exactness is critical, avoid estimations. Alternatives like "estimate roughly" or "plan for about" can be used to convey a similar meaning with slightly different nuances. This phrase appears most frequently in scientific content.
More alternative expressions(6)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
estimate roughly
Replaces "allow for" with "estimate", focusing on the act of estimation rather than accommodation, and "approximately" with "roughly", indicating a similar degree of imprecision.
budget around
Substitutes "allow for" with "budget", implying a financial or resource allocation context, and replaces "approximately" with "around", maintaining the sense of an estimated quantity.
account for nearly
Replaces "approximately" with "nearly", which suggests a higher degree of precision compared to "approximately".
provide for roughly
Swaps "allow" with "provide", which emphasizes the act of supplying or making something available, and keeps "roughly" for a similar level of estimation.
plan for about
Replaces "allow" with "plan", focusing on the planning aspect, and "approximately" with "about", keeping the meaning of estimation.
anticipate around
Uses "anticipate" instead of "allow", suggesting foreseeing a need, and keeps "around" to indicate approximation.
expect approximately
Replaces "allow for" with "expect", focusing on anticipated outcomes rather than making provisions, while retaining "approximately" for estimation.
foresee roughly
Substitutes "allow for" with "foresee", implying a prediction about what might be needed, and "approximately" with "roughly" to show the estimation.
consider roughly
Replaces "allow for" with "consider", focusing on taking something into account, and keeps "roughly" for a similar level of estimation.
estimate in the vicinity of
Replaces "allow for" with a more formal "estimate" and "approximately" with "in the vicinity of", indicating a formal tone and estimation of a value.
FAQs
How can I use "allow for approximately" in a sentence?
You can use "allow for approximately" when suggesting to consider or set aside a certain amount, time, or resources for a specific purpose when the exact amount is not known or critical. For example, "Please "allow for approximately" 30 minutes of travel time."
What can I say instead of "allow for approximately"?
Alternatives include "estimate roughly", "budget around", or "plan for about" depending on the context.
Is it better to say "allow for approximately" or "allow approximately for"?
"Allow for approximately" is the more standard and natural-sounding phrase. "Allow approximately for" is grammatically correct, but less common and may sound awkward.
What's the difference between "allow for approximately" and "allow for exactly"?
"Allow for approximately" indicates an estimation, while "allow for exactly" implies a precise figure. The choice depends on whether the situation requires a precise number or an estimate.
Editing plus AI, all in one place.
Stop switching between tools. Your AI writing partner for everything—polishing proposals, crafting emails, finding the right tone.
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
80%
Authority and reliability
4.1/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested