allow it to stand

USAGE SUMMARY

"allow it to stand" is correct and usable in written English.
The phrase implies leaving something as it is without change. You could use it in a variety of contexts, such as giving someone permission to keep an opinion, decision, or statement unchanged. For example: "I don't know if I agree with your decision, but I will allow it to stand."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

37 human-written examples

Hamid Karzai wanted to be like a father of the nation who could heal his country's wounds and strengthen its institutions to allow it to stand on its own two feet.

BBC

This combination of an app builder with support for third-party resources, the company hopes, will allow it to stand out from its competition.

TechCrunch

It has rubber feet that allow it to stand up or lay flat, although I'm not sure of the advantages to standing up the mic.

TechCrunch

"They won't allow it to stand".

The New York Times

Remove the fish from the oven and allow it to stand for five minutes.

The New York Times

If a goal is scored, allow it to stand, then caution the keeper for unsporting behaviour.

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

23 human-written examples

Not long afterward, still unwell, "she stood on the streets of Paris with a sheet spread at her feet, asking for contributions 'for the starving children in Spain.' " The heiress turned beggar: the image is striking, and Gordon, who avoids sentimentality throughout, judiciously allows it to stand on its own.

The New York Times - Books

It is pushed with the handlebars, and has a kickstand at the front that allows it to stand on its own.

BBC

Tiny Mix Tapes rewarded the album 4/5 stars, saying that, while each song has a "distinctive quality" allowing it to stand on its own, by backing out to view the album as a whole, the "individual elements unify…mak[ing] a greater holistic product".

Wikipedia

The idea of serving a scotch egg without any sort of garnish, allowing it to stand or fall on its own merits, petrifies chefs.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

A high turnout will be seen as a major boost for Iran's ruling Islamic system, showing popular support and allowing it to stand firm in the stand-off over its nuclear programme.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "allow it to stand" in legal or formal contexts, ensure that the subject of "it" is clearly defined to avoid ambiguity. For example: "The judge will allow the verdict to stand."

Common error

Avoid using "allow it to stand" when the referent of "it" is unclear or ambiguous. This can lead to confusion about what exactly is being permitted to remain. Instead, clarify the subject by stating it explicitly. For example, instead of "The policy was challenged, but we will allow it to stand", write "The policy was challenged, but we will allow the current policy to stand".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "allow it to stand" functions as a verb phrase indicating permission or acceptance for something to remain in its current state. According to Ludwig AI, it suggests maintaining something without change, as illustrated in several examples where decisions or rulings are permitted to continue.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Science

24%

Wiki

18%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

4%

Formal & Business

4%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "allow it to stand" is a grammatically sound and frequently employed verb phrase used to express the act of permitting something to remain unchanged. According to Ludwig AI, it effectively communicates the idea of maintaining a current state or decision. It is most commonly found in news and media, science, and wiki contexts, and its formality level is generally neutral, but adaptable to more professional settings. The expert rating confirms its strong grammatical correctness, source authority, and usage consistency. Several alternative phrases, such as "permit it to remain" or "leave it as it is", offer similar meanings with varying degrees of formality.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

permit it to remain

Replaces "allow" with "permit" and "stand" with "remain", offering a more formal tone.

let it be

A shorter, more idiomatic expression with a similar meaning.

leave it as it is

Emphasizes maintaining the current state without intervention.

refrain from changing it

Focuses on the act of not altering something.

uphold its current status

Highlights the preservation of a particular state or condition.

maintain its validity

Implies preserving the correctness or legitimacy of something.

sustain its existence

Focuses on keeping something in being or operation.

validate its position

Suggests confirming or supporting the current state or role.

endorse its continuation

Implies giving approval or support to the ongoing state of something.

approve its persistence

Highlights agreeing to the continuing existence of something.

FAQs

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

Use "allow it to stand" when you want to convey that something will remain as it is, without changes or modifications. For example, "The ruling was controversial, but the court will allow it to stand."

What is a more formal way to say "allow it to stand"?

For a more formal tone, you can use phrases like "permit it to remain" or "uphold its current status". These options convey a similar meaning with a higher degree of formality.

When should I use "let it be" instead of "allow it to stand"?

Use "let it be" in more informal contexts where you want to express acceptance or resignation to a situation. "Allow it to stand" is more appropriate when referring to a decision, rule, or formal statement that will remain unchanged.

What's the difference between "allow it to stand" and "leave it as it is"?

Leave it as it is generally implies a more passive acceptance of the current state, while "allow it to stand" often suggests a conscious decision to not alter something despite potential challenges or objections.