allow them to do

USAGE SUMMARY

"allow them to do" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase to express permission or to grant someone the opportunity to do something. For example, "I'll allow them to do whatever they want as long as they stay within the boundaries I have set."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Should we allow them to do that?

The New York Times

Allow them to do it without distraction.

The New York Times - Sports

"We need to allow them to do their job".

The New York Times

The Localism Bill will allow them to do that".

Independent

Cost-cutting alone won't allow them to do that.

The New Yorker

General Motors plans to allow them to do just that.

The Economist

Why did you allow them to do this?

The Guardian - Opinion

How will we afford to allow them to do this?

The Guardian - Opinion

"But we will not allow them to do this.

The New York Times

And we will not allow them to do so.

The New York Times

The international community should not allow them to do both.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "allow them to do", ensure that the context clearly indicates who "them" refers to, avoiding ambiguity. For instance, specify the group or individuals being granted permission before using the phrase.

Common error

A common mistake is using "allow them to do" without clearly defining who "them" represents, which leads to confusion. Always clarify the subject to ensure clarity and avoid misinterpretations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "allow them to do" functions as a verb phrase that indicates permission, authorization, or enablement. According to Ludwig AI, this phrase is correct and usable in English. It is used to grant someone the opportunity or ability to perform a specific action. The examples provided by Ludwig confirm its common use in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

46%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "allow them to do" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression that signifies granting permission or enabling an action. Ludwig AI affirms its correctness and widespread applicability. Analysis of various sources reveals that it commonly appears in news, scientific, and formal business contexts. While versatile, clarity is key: ensure that the pronoun "them" has a clear referent to avoid ambiguity. Alternatives such as "permit them to do" or "enable them to do" can be used to fine-tune the meaning or formality of the statement. Overall, "allow them to do" is a reliable and effective way to express consent or enablement in a variety of communication settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

permit them to do

Replaces "allow" with a more formal synonym, "permit".

enable them to do

Focuses on providing the means or opportunity to do something, rather than just permission.

authorize them to do

Implies a formal or official sanction.

let them do

A more informal and direct way of saying "allow".

give them leave to do

A more archaic and formal alternative, suggesting official permission.

empower them to do

Suggests giving them the power or authority to act.

entitle them to do

Indicates a right or legal basis for their action.

license them to do

Implies granting a formal license or permission to do something specific.

sanction them to do

Implies official approval or endorsement.

warrant them to do

Suggests guaranteeing their right or ability to do something.

FAQs

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

You can use "allow them to do" to indicate granting permission or enabling someone to perform an action. For example, "The new regulations "allow them to do" their jobs more efficiently".

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

Alternatives include "permit them to do", "enable them to do", or "authorize them to do", depending on the level of formality and specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "allow them doing" grammatically correct?

No, "allow them doing" is not grammatically correct. The correct form is "allow them to do", using the infinitive form of the verb.

What is the difference between "allow them to do" and "make them do"?

"Allow them to do" implies giving permission or enabling someone to act, while "make them do" implies forcing or compelling someone to act against their will. They have opposite meanings.