allow in principle

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "allow in principle" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing a theoretical agreement or permission that is contingent upon certain conditions being met. Example: "The committee may allow in principle the proposal for the new project, pending further review of the budget."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

Opinions are not matters of absolute commitment but allow in principle for the possibility of doubt and change.

Britannica

There are currently methods available that allow, in principle, for determining genome-wide DNA methylation patterns ("methylomes") at a single base resolution.

Nature

Polymetallic heterogeneous catalysts, mainly consisting in bimetallic metal nanoparticles supported on inorganic oxides, allow, in principle, to obtain high performances (increased activity, and selectivity to desired products, extended lifetime, high resistance to poisoning/coke deposition/sintering/etc). thanks to the positive effects arising from the interactions between the (two) metals.

Catalysis Today

A much more serious attitude is to call attention, as many serious authors do, to the fact that since collapse theories represent rival theories with respect to standard quantum mechanics they lead to the identification of experimental situations which would allow, in principle, crucial tests to discriminate between the two.

SEP

If the PET system has been absolutely calibrated once in the usual way (via phantom measurements), tracking of the mean BSUV over time would even allow, in principle, to cut down on the number of recalibrations as there would be no need for recalibration if measured BSUV does not change notably/significantly over time.

EJNMMI Research

Note that the use of a variable time-step can allow in principle to overcome some numerical problems.

BMC Systems Biology

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

This allows in principle for an application of the tandem process in cell encapsulation.

Biomaterials

Such an analysis allows, in principle, all parameters of the B → φ K*0 system to be determined, including mixing-induced CP violation effects.

Stanford University

Even at top temperatures of about 600 °C typical for steam cycles the binary cycle allows, in principle, a significant efficiency gain (49.5% against 43% of a steam cycle).

Solar Energy

The synthesis, however, is more sophisticated, but allows in principle a "Lego brick" build up of a radioactive moiety, a linker and a binding moiety.

Journal of Organometallic Chemistry

The peculiarities of the new controller will be highlighted, such as its very useful trigger logic interface, which allows in principle exploring various error field experiment scenarios.

Fusion Engineering and Design

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "allow in principle" when you want to convey that something is permissible under certain rules or guidelines, but not necessarily in every specific instance. Make sure to clarify the conditions under which the allowance applies.

Common error

Avoid using "allow in principle" when you mean something is definitively allowed without any caveats. The phrase implies a degree of uncertainty or conditionality that should be reflected in the surrounding context.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "allow in principle" functions as a qualifier, indicating that permission or possibility exists under certain conditions or in a theoretical sense. Ludwig AI confirms the usability of this phrase in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

70%

News & Media

20%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

10%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "allow in principle" is a useful phrase when you need to express conditional permission or a theoretical possibility. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically sound and frequently found in scientific and academic writing. It implies that while something is generally acceptable under certain guidelines, it may not be permissible in every specific case. Remember to provide necessary context to avoid misinterpretations. Alternatives like "theoretically permit" or "conditionally approve" can be used depending on the desired nuance. Use it wisely to convey precision in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

theoretically permit

Emphasizes the possibility from a theoretical standpoint, but may not be practically feasible.

permit in theory

Highlights the theoretical allowance, abstracting away from practical considerations.

authorize in principle

Focuses on the authorization aspect but acknowledges that it's not absolute or unconditional.

conditionally approve

Specifies that the approval is contingent on meeting certain conditions.

generally accept

Suggests an acceptance with possible reservations or modifications.

in theory allow

Reorders the original phrase to emphasize the theoretical aspect.

potentially enable

Indicates a possibility of enabling something, but not a guarantee.

conceptually permit

Highlights the conceptual possibility of allowing something.

nominally authorize

Suggests a formal authorization that may lack real power or practical effect.

provisionally approve

Implies a temporary approval that is subject to change or further review.

FAQs

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

You can use "allow in principle" to indicate a conditional agreement or theoretical possibility. For instance, "The committee may allow in principle the proposal for the new project, pending further review of the budget."

What's the difference between "allow" and "allow in principle"?

"Allow" suggests permission or possibility without conditions. "Allow in principle", on the other hand, suggests a theoretical or conditional allowance that may be subject to certain criteria or limitations.

What are some alternatives to "allow in principle"?

Alternatives include phrases such as "theoretically permit", "permit in theory", or "conditionally approve depending", depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "in principle allow" instead of "allow in principle"?

While "in principle allow" is understandable, "allow in principle" is the more common and idiomatic phrasing. However, "in theory allow" can also be used and can be semantically closer.