allow for the possibility

USAGE SUMMARY

"allow for the possibility" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to express an openness to something happening or an acceptance that something might happen. For example, "We must allow for the possibility that the decision may not be what we expected."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

Breath does allow for the possibility of healing.

The Guardian - Books

Our next step is to allow for the possibility of changes in the financial regime.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

What's more, ethics must allow for the possibility of foul-ups and relatives.

The New York Times - Magazine

"You have to either consummate it or allow for the possibility of that," Copaken agreed.

The New Yorker

Bolt was happy to allow for the possibility that one day Blake would grab the gold.

The Guardian - Opinion

The system did not allow for the possibility of giving up on a student.

The New York Times - Arts

All readings of human history have to allow for the possibility of a negative outcome.

The Guardian - Books

Instead, prison officials allow for the possibility that a prisoner might escape.

The Washington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

But aspiring student-athletes should be aware that the NCAA rules now allow for the possibility.

Huffington Post

Puny or not, puns do exist, and any adequate account of linguistic communication should allow for the possibility of puns.

Johns Hopkins University

The next step is to allow for the possibility to migrate temporarily in the second period to work abroad.

IZA Journal of Migration

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "allow for the possibility", ensure the context clearly indicates what actions or considerations should be taken in light of that possibility. For example, "We must allow for the possibility of delays and plan accordingly."

Common error

Avoid simply acknowledging the possibility without outlining concrete steps to address it. Acknowledgment without action renders the phrase ineffective. For example, instead of saying "We allow for the possibility of technical issues", specify a mitigation plan: "We allow for the possibility of technical issues and have a backup system in place".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "allow for the possibility" functions as a modal expression. It introduces a degree of uncertainty or contingency, indicating that a particular outcome or event is not guaranteed but should be considered. As Ludwig AI states, it expresses openness to something happening.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

31%

News & Media

39%

Academia

17%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "allow for the possibility" is a versatile expression used to introduce uncertainty and encourage preparedness. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and widely applicable across various domains. Its frequency, especially in News & Media, Science, and Academia, underscores its importance in communicating contingencies and promoting flexible thinking. While the phrase is generally neutral, remember to accompany it with specific actions or considerations to ensure effective planning. When considering alternatives, phrases like "consider the chance" or "factor in the likelihood" may be suitable, depending on the desired nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

consider the chance

Replaces "possibility" with "chance", focusing on the element of randomness or unpredictability.

entertain the idea

Suggests a more active consideration of a concept, rather than a passive allowance.

account for the prospect

Uses more formal terms like "account" and "prospect", increasing the formality level.

factor in the likelihood

Emphasizes the probability of something occurring, which may or may not be as neutral as simply acknowledging the "possibility".

take into account the potential

Highlights the inherent capacity of something, rather than its mere possibility.

be mindful of the option

Focuses on awareness and consideration of a choice or alternative.

prepare for the contingency

Implies readiness for an event that may or may not happen, rather than a simple allowance.

make room for the prospect

Suggests creating space or resources to accommodate a potential future event.

expect the eventuality

Focuses on anticipating and accepting a future outcome, often undesirable.

presume the potentiality

Emphasizes an assumption of latent qualities or capabilities.

FAQs

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

You can use "allow for the possibility" to suggest that something might happen or exist, and to consider it in your plans or decisions. For example, "We must "allow for the possibility" that the project might exceed its initial budget."

What are some alternatives to "allow for the possibility"?

Some alternatives include "consider the chance", "entertain the idea", or "factor in the likelihood", depending on the context and the nuance you want to convey.

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

Both phrases are correct, but "allow for the possibility" suggests a more proactive approach of preparing for something that might happen, while "consider the possibility" simply means thinking about it.

What does it mean to "allow for the possibility" of something?

To "allow for the possibility" means to acknowledge that something could happen or exist and to take it into account when making plans or decisions. It implies a degree of preparedness or acceptance of that potential outcome.