allow it to stand for a while

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "allow it to stand for a while" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to letting something remain in a particular state or position for a period of time, often in contexts like cooking, legal matters, or decision-making. Example: "After mixing the ingredients, allow it to stand for a while to let the flavors meld together."

✓ Grammatically correct

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

Allow it to stand for a few minutes while you beat together the eggs in a bowl with a fork.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Allow it to stand for 10 minutes, and dig in!

WikiHow

Allow it to stand.

WikiHow

Allow to stand for a few minutes.

WikiHow

Allow to stand for a short time.

WikiHow

Allow the soap mixture to stand for a few days.

WikiHow

The mixture was allowed to stand for 15 min while the absorbance was measured at 500 nm.

BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine

Some institutions allow probationary faculty to stand for tenure early, and some allow a longer process.

Science Magazine

Then it was centrifuged, allowed to stand for 5 minutes, and filtered.

BioMed Research International

Allow the tomatoes to stand for 5 minutes, then drain.

Huffington Post

Allow the lasagna to stand for 5 minutes before serving.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "allow it to stand for a while" in recipes, specify the exact time (e.g., "allow it to stand for 5 minutes") to ensure consistent results. Omitting the time can lead to ambiguity and affect the outcome.

Common error

Avoid vagueness by quantifying the 'while'. Saying "allow it to stand for a while" without specifying the duration can be unhelpful. Instead, provide a precise timeframe (e.g., "allow it to stand for 10 minutes") to prevent misinterpretation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "allow it to stand for a while" functions as an instruction or recommendation, typically found in procedural contexts such as recipes or scientific protocols. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is grammatically correct and usable in English.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

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0%

News & Media

0%

Formal & Business

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Less common in

Science

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News & Media

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Formal & Business

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Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "allow it to stand for a while" is a grammatically correct instruction indicating a need for a pause or resting period. Since the example count is zero, its actual frequency of usage is hard to estimate. Ludwig AI’s analysis suggests it's suitable for multiple registers, from scientific to informal contexts. When using this phrase, be sure to specify the duration of the resting period to prevent ambiguity and enhance clarity in your instructions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

let it sit for a while

This alternative uses simpler vocabulary, replacing "allow" with "let" and "stand" with "sit", making it slightly more informal.

leave it to rest for some time

This option emphasizes the idea of resting, which can be useful in contexts where the primary purpose is to avoid disturbance.

permit it to remain for a while

Using "permit" adds a slightly more formal tone compared to "allow", while "remain" is a more static alternative to "stand".

give it some time to settle

This phrase implies that something might be initially unstable or in need of stabilization, making it suitable for mixtures or solutions.

let it be for a period

This is a more general way to say that something should be left untouched or undisturbed for a certain duration.

allow it to settle briefly

By swapping "stand for a while" for "settle briefly", the length of time is less emphasized.

let it steep for some time

This phrase is specifically useful when referring to liquids or infusions, where allowing something to "steep" enhances flavor or potency.

give it a moment to stand

Emphasizes a brief pause, making it fitting for situations where only a short period of inactivity is needed.

leave it undisturbed for a bit

This variant stresses the importance of not interfering with something, suitable in sensitive experimental setups or delicate processes.

allow it to incubate briefly

Best suited for scientific or technical contexts where incubation is necessary for development or reaction.

FAQs

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

You can use "allow it to stand for a while" in cooking instructions, scientific experiments, or any situation where a period of rest is required. For example, "After mixing the ingredients, "allow it to stand for a while" to let the flavors meld together."

What does "allow it to stand for a while" mean?

It means to let something remain undisturbed in its current state for a certain period of time. This could be to let ingredients settle, flavors meld, or a chemical reaction to occur.

What can I say instead of "allow it to stand for a while"?

You can use alternatives like "let it sit for a while", "leave it to rest for some time", or "give it some time to settle" depending on the context.

Is there a difference between "allow it to stand for a while" and "let it sit for a while"?

The phrases are very similar, but "let it sit for a while" is slightly more informal. Both suggest leaving something undisturbed, but "stand" might imply a more deliberate or structured waiting period.