allow it to boil

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "allow it to boil" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when giving instructions related to cooking or heating liquids, indicating that something should be permitted to reach a boiling point. Example: "After adding the pasta to the pot, allow it to boil for about 10 minutes before draining."

✓ Grammatically correct

Wiki

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

21 human-written examples

Stir, then bring it to just below a simmer; do not allow it to boil.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Whisk constantly until mixture thickens to a puddinglike consistency; do not allow it to boil.

The New York Times - Food

Continue cooking over low heat until the sauce has thickened somewhat but do not allow it to boil.

The New York Times

Gently swirl the mixture in a circular motion (do not stir) and allow it to boil down until it is a deepamber caramel, at least 10 minutes.

The New York Times - Magazine

2. When the wine is hot, carefully set it aflame, let the flames die out, then increase the heat so that the wine boils; allow it to boil until it cooks down by half.

Forbes

2. Soup: In a saucepan over medium heat, bring jute leaf and stock to a simmer, stirring occasionally (do not allow it to boil).

HuffPost

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

39 human-written examples

It has a special lid that keeps the water in, without allowing it to boil over.

WikiHow

Now you just need to simmer the casserole on a low heat, without allowing it to boil.

WikiHow

Allow it to start boiling as you work on peeling potatoes.

WikiHow

Do not allow it to come to a boil, or the eggs may curdle.

Forbes

Allow it to come to the boil, stirring all the time, and then remove from the heat.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When providing cooking instructions, use “allow it to boil” to clearly indicate that the liquid should reach its boiling point. For example, "Add the pasta, then "allow it to boil" for 8 minutes."

Common error

While acceptable, consider more concise alternatives like "bring to a boil" in formal writing to maintain brevity and professionalism. Do not overuse the phrase in situations where simplicity is preferred.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "allow it to boil" functions as an instruction or direction, typically found in recipes or procedural guides. It advises the user to let a liquid reach its boiling point, as confirmed by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Wiki

48%

News & Media

38%

Science

14%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "allow it to boil" is a grammatically correct and usable instruction, frequently found in recipes and procedural contexts. Ludwig AI confirms its validity. While uncommon, its function is to instruct someone to let a liquid reach its boiling point, and it maintains a generally neutral register suitable for both informal and formal sources. When writing, remember that more concise options might be preferable in some formal contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Let it reach a boil

Emphasizes reaching the boiling point, shorter.

Permit it to boil

A more formal synonym using 'permit'.

Leave it to boil

Suggests allowing something to boil unattended.

Bring it to a boil

Focuses on the action of causing something to boil.

Enable it to boil

Focuses on the act of making it possible for something to boil, often by adjusting heat settings.

Wait for it to boil

Suggests pausing until boiling occurs.

Give it time to boil

Emphasizes patience while something is boiling

Let it bubble away

Implies allowing something to simmer or gently boil.

Keep it at a boil

Specifies maintaining the boiling state

Sustain the boil

Implies maintaining a boil that already exists.

FAQs

How can I use "allow it to boil" in a sentence?

Use "allow it to boil" to instruct someone to let a liquid reach its boiling point. For example: "Once the mixture starts simmering, "allow it to boil" for a minute before reducing the heat."

What is another way to say "allow it to boil"?

Alternatives include "let it reach a boil", "bring it to a boil", or "permit it to boil", depending on the context and desired level of formality.

What's the difference between "allow it to boil" and "bring it to a boil"?

"Allow it to boil" suggests letting something that's already heating reach the boiling point on its own. "Bring it to a boil" refers to actively causing something to boil through the application of heat.

When is it important to not "allow something to boil"?

Certain recipes, like custards, require gentle heating and should not be "allowed to boil" as high temperatures can cause curdling or ruin the consistency.