allow them to be

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "allow them to be" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it any time you want to express that you are permitting someone to exist or to be what they are. For example, "I will not judge them, I will simply allow them to be."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

Allow them to be full citizens.

The New York Times

We cannot stand by and allow them to be strangled.

The Guardian - Opinion

We must not allow them to be starved into submission.

The Guardian - Opinion

I allow them to be entrepreneurial; I hear them out.

The Guardian - Business

What we want to do is allow them to be kids, allow them to be young," she says.

The Guardian

Other systems do not merely show things off, but allow them to be messed around with.

The Economist

If I allow them to be in the government, it will not work".

The New York Times

"When you allow them to be honest you get better outcomes in their pregnancies".

The New York Times

A mechanism to allow them to be funded needs to be identified".

The New York Times

Will it allow them to be included in Egypt's political future?

The New York Times

"We cannot allow them to be stifled or stopped by brutal actions of the Libyan government".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "allow them to be", ensure the context clearly indicates what state or action you are permitting. Specificity enhances clarity and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "allow them to be" as a blanket statement without defining boundaries. Clearly outline what is permissible to prevent unintended consequences or misinterpretations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "allow them to be" functions as an infinitive phrase, often used as part of a larger verb phrase. It expresses permission or enablement for a group to exist or operate in a particular state. Ludwig provides numerous examples illustrating its versatility.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

57%

Science

37%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "allow them to be" is a versatile expression used to convey permission, acceptance, or enablement. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically sound and widely applicable across various contexts. Predominantly found in news and media, as well as scientific publications, this phrase serves to promote inclusivity and tolerance. When employing "allow them to be", ensure clarity in defining the permissible actions or states, preventing unintended consequences. This expression is more about granting permission than forcing actions, distinguishing it from phrases like "make them be".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

permit them to exist

Replaces "be" with "exist", focusing on allowing their existence.

grant them the freedom to be

Highlights the freedom aspect, emphasizing the removal of restrictions.

let them remain

Substitutes "allow" with "let" and "be" with "remain", suggesting a continuation of their current state.

don't prevent them from being

Shifts the focus to avoiding obstruction rather than actively permitting.

enable them to function

Replaces "be" with "function", emphasizing their ability to operate or perform.

empower them to become

Focuses on enabling their development or transformation.

facilitate their being

Highlights the act of making their existence or state easier.

authorize their existence

Uses a more formal tone, emphasizing official permission.

make it possible for them to be

Expresses enablement in a more descriptive and less direct manner.

give them leave to be

Emphasizes granting permission, implying a formal allowance.

FAQs

How can I use "allow them to be" in a sentence?

Use "allow them to be" to express permission or enablement for someone to exist or act in a certain way. For example, "We must "allow them to be" themselves without judgment".

What are some alternatives to "allow them to be"?

You can use alternatives like "permit them to exist", "let them remain", or "enable them to function" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "allow them to be"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct and commonly used. Ludwig AI confirms its validity for expressing permission or enablement.

What's the difference between "allow them to be" and "make them be"?

"Allow them to be" implies granting permission or creating conditions for something to happen, while "make them be" suggests forcing or compelling someone to act in a certain way. The first focuses on permission and the second on coercion.