allow him

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "allow him" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when giving permission or granting someone the ability to do something. Example: "Please allow him to speak during the meeting, as he has valuable insights to share."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Revisiting Tolkien would allow him to rebound.

The New Yorker

Will China allow him to leave?

The New York Times

Let's allow him to win.

The Guardian - Opinion

(For argument's sake, allow him his hyperbole).

The New York Times - Arts

"They didn't allow him to play tonight".

The New York Times - Sports

France refused to allow him to stay.

The Guardian

"We couldn't allow him to do that".

The New York Times

She didn't allow him to grow.

The Guardian

And I allow him to say it.

The Guardian - Books

The Marquet's silhouettes in ports landscapes, are the symbolic ties which allow him to paint.

Annales Médico-psychologiques, revue psychiatrique

How often should I allow him to lose?

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "allow him", consider the level of formality required by the context. "Let him" is more informal than "permit him" or "authorize him".

Common error

Avoid using "allow him" when the context suggests passive permission. Be clear about whether permission is actively granted or simply not opposed. Active verbs such as "authorize", "permit" or "enable" are more suitable to demonstrate active consent.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "allow him" functions as a verb phrase where "allow" is the verb indicating permission and "him" is the object pronoun. It expresses the act of granting someone the opportunity or right to do something. Ludwig provides numerous examples illustrating its usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Wiki

13%

Science

13%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "allow him" is a common and grammatically correct way to express permission or enablement. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's widely used across diverse contexts, primarily in News & Media, Science, and Wiki sources. While "allow him" is generally neutral in register, it's crucial to consider the context and choose alternative verbs like "permit", "enable", or "let" to match the desired level of formality. When using the phrase, ensure that the permission granted is active rather than passive. The extensive examples provided by Ludwig showcase the versatile application of "allow him" in written English.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

permit him

Formally grants permission, often implying authority.

let him

Informal way to express permission.

enable him

Focuses on providing the means or opportunity.

authorize him

Suggests official approval or sanction.

give him leave

A more formal or archaic way of granting permission.

entitle him

Implies a right or qualification.

empower him

Highlights giving someone power or agency.

license him

Grants official permission, often for a specific activity.

clear him

Indicates that someone has been given approval to proceed.

qualify him

Demonstrates that someone is able to do something.

FAQs

How can I use "allow him" in a sentence?

You can use "allow him" to grant permission or enable someone to do something. For example, "The regulations /s/allow+him to access the restricted data" or "They /s/allow+him to participate in the project".

What is a more formal alternative to "allow him"?

Alternatives such as "permit him", "authorize him", or "entitle him" are more formal and suitable for professional or official contexts.

When is it better to use "enable him" instead of "allow him"?

"Enable him" focuses on providing the necessary means or opportunities. Use "enable him" when you want to emphasize that someone is being equipped or empowered, not just given permission. For example: "The scholarship /s/enable+him to study abroad", compared to "His parents /s/allow+him to stay out late".

What's the difference between "allow him" and "let him"?

"Let him" is an informal way of saying "allow him". While both express permission, "let him" is more common in casual conversation. For instance: "I'll /s/let+him know about the change" is more informal than "I will /s/allow+him to know about the change".