allow people

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "allow people" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing permissions or enabling individuals to do something. Example: "The new policy will allow people to work from home two days a week."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

And don't allow people to dither.

Independent

We have to allow people their differences.

The Guardian

"Allow people to have their voice.

The Guardian

It should allow people to practice religion.

The Washington Post

This will allow people to engage.

The Washington Post

'That would just allow people to screw things up.' " .

The New Yorker

Rigorous codes of conduct allow people to build their character.

The New York Times

"You have to allow people to restructure," Mr. Odell said.

The New York Times

New online health exchanges allow people to shop for coverage.

The Economist

"We won't allow people into the courtyard," Mr. Stillman said.

The New York Times

They set prices and allow people to react.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "allow people", ensure the context clearly specifies who is granting permission and under what conditions.

Common error

Avoid using "allow people" without specifying who or what authority is doing the allowing. Be clear about the source of the permission.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "allow people" functions primarily as a verb phrase. It indicates granting permission or providing an opportunity for individuals to perform an action. Ludwig provides numerous examples illustrating this use.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Wiki

17%

Science

13%

Less common in

Formal & Business

12%

Academia

1%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "allow people" is a common and grammatically sound way to express the granting of permission or the provision of opportunity. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, this phrase is versatile and appears frequently in diverse contexts, especially in news, media, and wiki content. Understanding its nuances and alternatives, such as "permit individuals" or "enable people", can enhance clarity and precision in writing. Remember to clearly define the subject granting permission to avoid ambiguity. By following best practices and avoiding common errors, writers can effectively use the phrase "allow people" in their communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

permit individuals

This is a more formal alternative, often used in official or legal contexts.

enable individuals

Focuses on providing the means or opportunity for someone to do something.

let people

A more informal and direct way of expressing permission.

give people permission

Explicitly states the act of granting permission.

authorize individuals

Suggests a formal approval or sanction.

entitle people

Implies a right or qualification to do something.

empower people

Highlights the act of giving someone power or control.

grant people the ability

Focuses on bestowing the capacity to perform an action.

afford individuals the opportunity

Emphasizes providing a chance or occasion.

license people

Specifically refers to granting a formal license or permit.

FAQs

How can I use "allow people" in a sentence?

Use "allow people" to indicate giving permission or opportunity for individuals to do something. For example, "The new policy will "allow people" to work from home."

What are some alternatives to "allow people"?

You can use alternatives like "permit individuals", "enable people", or "let people" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "allow people to" or "allow for people to"?

"Allow people to" is generally more concise and commonly used. "Allow for people to" can be used when you want to emphasize making provisions or considering potential needs.

What's the difference between "allow people" and "enable people"?

"Allow people" typically means granting permission, while "enable people" suggests providing the means or resources to do something. The former removes a barrier, the latter adds support.