allow me time

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "allow me time" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when requesting someone to give you a moment or period to think, reflect, or complete a task. Example: "Before making a decision, please allow me time to consider all the options available."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

She doesn't allow me time for anybody else.

The Guardian - Music

"I'm generally training 20 to 30 hours a week, and work about the same amount of time, part time for a few different companies that allow me time off when I need it for training".

The New York Times - Sports

My ideal scenario would be a temporary lectureship for a year or so that would allow me time to write up my thesis as a book and polish up the articles that have come out of my research.

The Guardian

"Before, I was always worrying whether my work would allow me time to take holidays at all, and I was worried about the pile of work waiting for me on my return.

The Guardian

I had hoped that this leg of the journey would allow me time to recuperate, but we discovered this morning that some jerk had fallen asleep in a lifeboat, and remains aboard.

The New Yorker

And, even in his later work, after having calculated many ephemerides and different astronomical data, Kepler writes in a letter of February 17 , 1619to V. Bianchi: "I also ask you, my friends, that you do not condemn me to the treadmill of mathematical calculations; allow me time for philosophical speculation, my only delight!" (KGW 17, let. N° 827, p. 327, lin. 249– 51).

SEP

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

It allows me time to get the wording right.

The New York Times

It sets the world in slow motion and allows me time to catch up.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Weather update: Still not a sniff of any action on Centre Court, which allows me time to turn to your emails.

The Guardian - Sport

As the Tin Woodman remarks of his stint as emperor of the Winkies, "Like a good many kings and emperors, I have a grand title, but very little real power, which allows me time to amuse myself in my own way".

The New York Times - Books

It allows me time to find a new position".

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

If possible, follow "allow me time" with a reason to strengthen the request's justification.

Common error

While "allow me time" is generally acceptable, it can sound slightly formal in casual conversations. Use alternatives like "give me a moment" or "let me think" for informal settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "allow me time" functions as a request or expression of need for a certain duration to complete a task, contemplate, or recuperate. Examples available on Ludwig illustrate its usage across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "allow me time" is a grammatically correct way to request or express a need for a period. Ludwig confirms its acceptability in written English. It is most commonly found in news and media, though versatile enough for use in science and formal contexts. While generally neutral to formal, it’s important to consider the setting and audience, opting for more casual alternatives like "give me a moment" when appropriate. The phrase is generally used to seek permission, inform, or request some more reflection. Given its source distribution, usage frequency is uncommon.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Give me time

Direct request for time; more informal.

Grant me time

More formal way of requesting time.

Permit me time

A more formal way to say allow.

Let me have time

Emphasizes possession or access to time.

Afford me the time

Implies providing an opportunity or possibility.

Spare me some time

Asks for a portion of someone's time.

Give me a moment

Requests a very short period.

Allow me a moment

Similar to "give me a moment" but slightly more formal.

Provide me the opportunity

A broader request for a chance or occasion.

Grant me a window

Requests a specific time frame.

FAQs

How can I use "allow me time" in a sentence?

You can use "allow me time" when requesting a period to think, reflect, or complete a task. For example: "Please "allow me time" to review the documents before making a decision." Alternatives include "give me a moment" or "grant me some time".

What's a more formal way to say "allow me time"?

A more formal alternative to "allow me time" is "permit me time" or "afford me the time". These options are suitable for professional or academic settings.

Is "allow me time" grammatically correct?

Yes, "allow me time" is grammatically correct and understandable in English. Ludwig confirms this.

What can I say instead of "allow me time" in an informal setting?

In informal contexts, consider using phrases like "give me a moment", "let me think", or "give me time". These alternatives sound more natural in casual conversation.