allow it to cross

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "allow it to cross" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it in contexts where you are giving permission for something to pass or move from one side to another. Example: "Before we proceed, we need to allow it to cross the boundary safely."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

12 human-written examples

Its lipophilic properties allow it to cross the hematoencephalic barrier.

Annals of Intensive Care

This problem might be overcome by modifying the creatine molecule to allow it to cross biological membranes independently of its transporter.

Neuroscience Letters

The reduced size of the nanoparticles allow it to cross the cellular barrier and its exposure leads to the formation of free radicals in the tissues and eventually leads to oxidative damage to the cells and tissues [ 116].

BioMed Research International

"We will not allow it to cross county roads, county parks and county property".

The New York Times

There are several ways the porn industry could go further, he says, but these might prove the final lines that the culture won't allow it to cross.

The Guardian

The Department of the Army approved the construction of pipeline in early February to allow it to cross under Lake Oahe near the Standing Rock Sioux Reservation, which has been the center of protests for months.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

48 human-written examples

Each DRACO also includes a "delivery tag," taken from naturally occurring proteins, that allows it to cross cell membranes and enter any human or animal cell.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Previous research has shown that attaching a molecular tag of 11 arginine amino acids to a protein allows it to cross cell membranes.

Science Magazine

Living in the United States, even for a short time, was something so unfathomable that she never allowed it to cross her mind.

Huffington Post

The activated toxin can bind the metallopeptidase receptors of the brush-border membrane vesicles of the host midgut epithelial cells, which allows it to cross the cell membrane [55].

Plosone

HT events involving Gypsy could have been facilitated by the presence of env, assumed to confer autonomous infectivity on the retroelement, thereby allowing it to cross species barriers [ 18, 32, 35].

BMC Evolutionary Biology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a chemical compound's ability to permeate biological barriers, using "allow it to cross" is concise and scientifically appropriate. For example, 'The compound's lipophilic properties allow it to cross the blood-brain barrier'.

Common error

Avoid using "allow it to cross" in highly formal or legal contexts where more precise language like "authorize its passage" would be more appropriate. Ensure your word choice matches the tone and register required.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "allow it to cross" functions as an infinitive phrase, typically used to express permission or enablement. It indicates that something is being permitted or made capable of moving from one point to another. Ludwig AI suggests that the phrase is grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

50%

News & Media

40%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "allow it to cross" is a grammatically correct and versatile phrase that expresses permission or enablement for movement across a boundary. Ludwig AI confirms its validity. It is commonly found in both scientific and news-related contexts, indicating a neutral level of formality. While suitable for general use, more formal alternatives like "authorize its movement across" may be preferred in specific situations. Remember to consider the context and desired tone when choosing between "allow it to cross" and its many available alternatives.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

permit it to go over

Replaces "cross" with "go over", emphasizing the act of moving across a surface or boundary; "permit" replaces "allow" keeping the meaning.

enable it to traverse

Uses "enable" instead of "allow" and "traverse" instead of "cross", adding a more formal and technical tone.

facilitate its passage

Replaces the action of "allowing" with the act of "facilitating" and "crossing" with "passage", making it more formal.

let it pass through

Uses simpler vocabulary, replacing "allow" with "let" and "cross" with "pass through" for a more informal tone.

grant it access to

Focuses on granting access as the means of crossing, suitable when physical barriers are involved.

authorize its movement across

Adds a formal tone by using "authorize" and clarifies that it is the movement that is being permitted.

give it leave to intersect

Employs more formal language, focusing on the concept of intersection rather than simple crossing.

make it possible to go beyond

Shifts the focus to enabling a broader scope of movement beyond a specific point.

open the way for it to proceed

Suggests clearing obstacles or creating a path for something to cross.

clear a path so it can move beyond

Emphasizes the act of removing obstructions to allow movement, suggesting potential obstacles.

FAQs

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

Use "allow it to cross" to describe giving permission or enabling something to move or pass over a boundary or barrier. For instance, "The new software will allow it to cross-reference data more efficiently."

What are some alternatives to "allow it to cross"?

Alternatives include "permit it to go over", "enable it to traverse", or "facilitate its passage", depending on the desired level of formality and the specific context.

Is "allow it to cross" formal or informal?

"Allow it to cross" is generally neutral in tone and suitable for most contexts. However, in highly formal or legal settings, using more precise language such as "authorize its movement across" might be preferable.

Can "allow it to cross" be used in a scientific context?

Yes, "allow it to cross" is commonly used in scientific contexts to describe the ability of substances to permeate membranes or barriers, such as "The lipophilic nature of the drug allow it to cross the blood-brain barrier."