allow for something

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "allow for something" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the need to make provisions or accommodations for a particular factor or situation. Example: "When planning the event, we must allow for potential weather changes that could affect attendance."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

It might allow for something else, for example the rather grim humor that punctuates "Hamlet".

The New York Times

"The nezaam is too smart to allow for something perestroika-style to happen here," said Amir Hossein, 32, a local political activist.

The Guardian

The relative anonymity of the internet can facilitate ugly language but here it seemed to allow for something quite lovely; a language that might be deemed unacceptable in more public forums.

The Guardian - Opinion

Herbert was devising what appeared to be a particularly ingenious scheme, and in the course of debunking it, Kaiser ventures, mainstream physicists came to appreciate that entanglement does allow for something else: encrypting messages so that they are impossible, in theory, to surreptitiously intercept.

The New York Times - Books

The chefs and owners — Allie and Rob Levitt, who met at culinary school and have worked in some of Chicago's well-known restaurants — say they see this as their chance to strip away the complicated tricks and sauces and flavorings to allow for something simpler, where fresh, local farmers' ingredients are allowed to be themselves.

The New York Times - Travel

The problem I discovered was that the design of my toilet did not allow for something large and heavy up against the toilet tank.

TechCrunch

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

While using the idioms of reality TV, the work allows for something more important than spectacle.

The Guardian - Opinion

Such dishonesty shouldn't be allowed for something as important as our presidential election.

The New York Times

"It's a process that allows for something as dysfunctional as California to be corrected midterm".

The New York Times

"The two improved each other's game and allowed for something that Kari wouldn't have done and Andreas wouldn't have done," Mr. Holtzman said.

The New York Times

Perhaps more importantly, the Here One allows for something that Doppler Labs calls "Layered Listening".

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing, use "allow for something" to explicitly state the inclusion of certain conditions or factors in your plans, calculations, or considerations. This enhances clarity and demonstrates thoroughness.

Common error

Avoid using "allow for something" when the context already implies that the factor is being considered. Overuse can make your writing seem redundant and less impactful.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "allow for something" functions as a verb phrase indicating the act of making provisions or taking into account a particular factor, possibility, or circumstance. As noted by Ludwig, this phrase is grammatically correct and widely applicable.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "allow for something" is a versatile and grammatically sound expression used to convey the act of making provisions or taking a factor into account. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is correct and applicable in various contexts. Its usage spans from formal planning to everyday considerations, ensuring thoroughness and preparedness. While common in News & Media, the phrase also appears in Science and Formal & Business contexts. When using this phrase, remember to make explicit the factor being considered to avoid any ambiguity. Alternatives such as "take something into consideration" or "account for something" can be used depending on the desired nuance. Avoiding overuse and ensuring clear context will enhance the impact of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

take something into consideration

More formal and emphasizes a deliberate thought process.

make provision for something

More formal and focuses on preparing for a specific eventuality.

account for something

Emphasizes the need to explain or justify something.

factor something in

Less formal, implies including something in a calculation or plan.

consider something

More general, simply means to think about something.

bear something in mind

Highlights the importance of remembering something.

keep something in view

Focuses on maintaining awareness of something during planning.

leave room for something

Suggests creating space or opportunity for something.

plan for something

Directly relates to anticipating and preparing for something.

expect something

Indicates anticipation of an event or situation.

FAQs

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

You can use "allow for something" to indicate that you are taking a particular factor or possibility into account. For example, "The budget should "allow for something" unexpected."

What is a good alternative to "allow for something"?

Alternatives include "take something into consideration", "account for something", or "make provision for something", depending on the context.

What does it mean to "allow for" something?

To "allow for" something means to consider it as a possibility or to include it in a plan or calculation. It implies preparing for a potential situation or factor.

Is there a difference between "allow for something" and "plan for something"?

While both phrases involve anticipating future events, "allow for something" is broader and focuses on accommodating possibilities, whereas "plan for something" is more specific and action-oriented, focusing on concrete steps to prepare for a particular event.