allow it to happen

USAGE SUMMARY

"allow it to happen" is correct and usable in written English.
It is often used when giving permission or allowing something to occur. For example, "She wasn't sure if she should go ahead with the plan, but her mother encouraged her to take the risk and allow it to happen."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Because we allow it to happen.

The New York Times

Yet Anthony seems willing to allow it to happen.

The New York Times - Sports

Why allow it to happen to sentient marine mammals?

The Guardian - Opinion

But many people won't allow it to happen.

The New York Times

It happens, yet it shouldn't happen, so why did we all allow it to happen?

The Guardian - Opinion

Do men like this really predetermine their art, or just allow it to happen?

The New York Times - Sports

"They wouldn't allow this and Wayne, as an NRL coach, certainly wouldn't allow it to happen.

The Guardian - Sport

"It's not going to happen this time, I won't allow it to happen.

The Guardian

Eurozone member states will be very reluctant to allow it to happen.

The Guardian - Business

Neighbours were saying that the west would never allow it to happen because "we are Europe".

The Guardian - Opinion

And there are some of us who refuse to allow it to happen".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "allow it to happen" when you want to convey a sense of permission, acceptance, or non-interference with an event or process. Ensure the context clearly indicates who is granting the permission or choosing not to intervene.

Common error

Avoid using "allow it to happen" when you actually intend to convey active support or direct causation. "Allow" implies a more passive role than actively causing or promoting an action. Be sure to select the verb that matches your intended meaning.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "allow it to happen" functions as a verbal phrase indicating permission or non-interference. It signifies that someone or something has the authority or ability to prevent an action or event but chooses not to, effectively permitting its occurrence. Ludwig provides numerous examples demonstrating this usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

78%

Formal & Business

11%

Science

11%

Less common in

Social Media

0%

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "allow it to happen" is a versatile expression used to indicate permission or non-interference. According to Ludwig, it's grammatically sound and commonly found in various contexts, particularly in news and media. While alternatives like "permit it to occur" offer a more formal tone, it's essential to consider the nuance of agency when using this phrase. "Allow it to happen" implies a passive role, different from actively causing or enabling something. The analysis shows that this phrase is suitable for various professional, neutral, and general communication settings, highlighting its broad applicability and clear meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

permit it to occur

Replaces "happen" with "occur" and "allow" with "permit", offering a slightly more formal tone.

let it unfold

Emphasizes a more passive role, suggesting allowing something to develop naturally without interference.

enable its realization

Focuses on facilitating the actualization of something, often used in a more formal or technical context.

facilitate its occurrence

Highlights the act of making something easier to happen.

make it possible

Indicates creating the necessary conditions for something to happen.

clear the way for it

Suggests removing obstacles to allow something to proceed.

pave the way for it

Similar to clearing the way, but with a stronger connotation of preparation and planning.

make no attempt to prevent it

Focuses on the lack of intervention, implying acceptance or resignation.

sanction its development

Implies official approval or authorization for something to progress.

consent to its taking place

Offers a formal tone, indicating agreement or permission for an event to occur.

FAQs

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

You can use "allow it to happen" to indicate permission or a lack of prevention. For example, "The manager decided to "allow it to happen", trusting the team's judgment."

What is a more formal alternative to "allow it to happen"?

A more formal alternative would be "permit it to occur", which is suitable for official or professional contexts.

Is there a difference between "enable it to happen" and "allow it to happen"?

"Enable it to happen" suggests actively making something possible, whereas ""allow it to happen"" implies not preventing it, even if you aren't directly assisting.

When should I use "let it unfold" instead of "allow it to happen"?

Use "let it unfold" when you want to emphasize a hands-off approach, suggesting a natural or gradual development without interference. This implies more passivity compared to ""allow it to happen"".