allow for things

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "allow for things" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the need to make provisions or accommodations for various factors or circumstances. Example: "When planning the event, we must allow for things like weather changes and unexpected guests."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Tech

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

19 human-written examples

"Contracts in China allow for things to change," he says, smiling at the legalistic mindset of most foreign investors who get bogged down in procedural detail.

The Economist

Well, the Matrix doesn't really allow for things outside the Matrix; and Facebook, Twitter and (less so) MySpace all lie beyond its spidering.

The Guardian - Tech

The mobile phone carrier contracts are seen as crucial for Myanmar's economy as a whole because they will allow for things like banking or payment applications in an economy that is almost entirely based on cash.

The New York Times - Tech

"Turrell is only now realizing some of the experiments of the Art and Technology project because new computer-driven, seven-color LED light systems allow for things they could just speculate doing in the '60s and '70s," said Mr. Govan.

The New York Times - Arts

What I do is as messy as everything else, but you have to have a level of structure, and it has to allow for things one has never done or seen before.

The Guardian

And if you allow for things like file-sharing — and many Kickstarter rewards and projects are the types of things that could be pirated, like games, albums or films — then it becomes fairly clear that pretty much none of the people donating have a purely economic incentive to participate at all.

The New York Times - Magazine

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

41 human-written examples

Even allowing for things France does well, such as health care and welfare, the 2005 United Nations Human Development Index ranked it 16th, down from eighth in 1990.

The Economist

Plus, it allows for things like staged rollouts.

TechCrunch

This allows for things like home automation, Slack integration, Notifications, and more.

TechCrunch

The use of tokens is more secure, and allows for things like PCI compliance.

TechCrunch

Plus, it allows for things like temperature to be tailored to your preferences.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "allow for things", clearly specify what factors or possibilities you are accommodating to avoid ambiguity. For instance, "The budget should allow for things like unexpected repairs."

Common error

Avoid using "allow for things" without specifying what those "things" are. Vague usage weakens the statement. Instead of "The plan allows for things", be specific: "The plan allows for things like delays and cost overruns".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "allow for things" functions as a verb phrase, indicating the capacity or provision to accommodate various factors or possibilities. As Ludwig AI indicates, it expresses the idea of making provisions for something.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Tech

30%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Science

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "allow for things" is a grammatically sound and useful expression for indicating the provision or capacity to accommodate various factors. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is a correct and usable phrase in written English. While its frequency is uncommon, it appears predominantly in news, technology, and wiki contexts. When using the phrase, clarity is paramount, making sure to explicitly state what "things" are being allowed for. Alternative phrasing may include "account for things" or "make allowances for things". Overall, "allow for things" is a versatile phrase suitable for diverse communication settings, provided it is used with precision and clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

make allowances for things

Replaces "allow" with "make allowances", emphasizing consideration.

account for things

Focuses on considering or explaining something.

take things into consideration

Highlights the act of thinking about or factoring something in.

make provision for things

Stresses preparing or planning for something.

provide for things

Emphasizes supplying or preparing for something.

factor in things

Highlights including something as a relevant element.

consider things

Focuses on the act of thinking carefully about something.

bear things in mind

Emphasizes remembering and considering something.

take cognizance of things

Highlights formal recognition or awareness.

keep things in view

Stresses continuous awareness and consideration.

FAQs

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

You can use "allow for things" when you need to make provisions or accommodations for various factors or circumstances. For example: "The design must "allow for things" like expansion and maintenance".

What can I say instead of "allow for things"?

You can use alternatives such as "account for things", "make allowances for things", or "consider things" depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "allows for things" or should I use another verb form?

The verb form depends on the subject and tense of the sentence. "Allows for things" is correct when the subject is singular and in the present tense. For example: "The new system "allows for things" like remote access".

What's the difference between "allow for things" and "plan for things"?

"Allow for things" implies making accommodations for uncertainties, while "plan for things" suggests a more proactive and structured approach to anticipated events. "Plan for things" is about actively designing an action/project.