allow it to set

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "allow it to set" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used in contexts involving cooking or crafting, where a mixture or substance needs time to solidify or stabilize. Example: "After mixing the ingredients, allow it to set for at least an hour before serving."

✓ Grammatically correct

Wiki

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

50 human-written examples

The World Anti-Doping Agency met at the weekend to re-elect Sir Craig Reedie as president for another three years, ratify a process that should allow it to set its own sanctions against non-compliant countries for the first time, and launch its first whistleblower programme.

The Guardian - Sport

[C12.] Toys 'R' Us Wins Lawsuit in Dispute With Amazon Toys RR" Us won a lawsuit against Amazon.com that will allow it to set up its own Web site and end an agreement to sell products on Amazon's site.

The New York Times

So voters should not give AK the supermajority that would allow it to set about such change on its own.

The Economist

The DWP says the staggered delay will allow it to set up the scheme more smoothly.

The Guardian - Money

Scrape the mixture into the pastry shell and chill for at least 3 hours to allow it to set.

Independent

Sun Edison offers retailers fixed-price electricity contracts if they allow it to set up solar panels on their rooftops.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

10 human-written examples

Most significantly, Parliament passed legislation allowing it to set its own fares for the first time.

The New York Times

Mr. Harris responded that the federal government's $197 million investment had allowed it to set up its manufacturing base in the United States rather than in Asia like many of its competitors.

The New York Times

So what is it about the cheetah and its particular physiology or running form that allows it to set such a blazing pace?

The New York Times

The organization won a ruling before the United States Supreme Court two years ago that allowed it to set standards for membership.

The New York Times

But in welcoming commerce into their lives, Mr Harris reckons, they have allowed it to set them the same ideals it sets for everyone else.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "allow it to set" in recipes or instructions, be specific about the time required for the setting process to ensure successful results.

Common error

Be clear about whether the setting is expected to occur naturally or with the help of a setting agent (like gelatin or pectin). If a setting agent is needed, specify it.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "allow it to set" functions as a directive, instructing the reader or listener to give something time to solidify or harden. This is evident in Ludwig's examples related to recipes and crafting instructions.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Wiki

52%

News & Media

31%

Science

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "allow it to set" is a common and grammatically correct directive used to instruct someone to give a substance time to solidify or harden. Ludwig AI confirms its broad applicability, with examples spanning from recipes and DIY guides to more formal instructions. The phrase maintains a neutral register, making it suitable for diverse contexts, with frequent usage in Wiki and News & Media. When using the phrase, clarity is key, particularly when specifying timeframes or the need for setting agents.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

let it solidify

This alternative focuses on the physical change of becoming solid.

leave it to harden

This suggests allowing something to become firm or rigid over time.

permit it to cure

This is often used in the context of concrete or other materials that undergo a chemical hardening process.

allow time for it to settle

This alternative highlights the importance of time in the setting process.

give it time to congeal

This emphasizes the process of thickening or solidifying, often in a culinary context.

enable it to firm up

This highlights the action of making something firmer.

allow it to rest

Suggests allowing something time to settle or stabilize, which can lead to setting.

facilitate its solidification

This alternative is more formal and emphasizes making the solidification process easier.

allow it to stand

Similar to resting, but may imply less change is expected.

leave it undisturbed

Focuses on not interfering with the setting process.

FAQs

How to use "allow it to set" in a sentence?

The phrase "allow it to set" is used when you want to give something time to solidify or harden. For example, "Pour the mixture into the mold and "allow it to set" overnight."

What can I say instead of "allow it to set"?

You can use alternatives like "let it solidify", "leave it to harden", or "permit it to cure" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "allow it to set" or "let it set"?

Both phrases are grammatically correct and have similar meanings. "Let it set" is slightly more concise, while "allow it to set" is a bit more formal.

What's the difference between "allow it to set" and "allow it to cool"?

"Allow it to set" implies a change in state from liquid to solid or semi-solid, while "allow it to cool" simply means to reduce the temperature. For example, you "allow it to set" Jell-O, but "allow it to cool" soup.