allow time for

USAGE SUMMARY

"allow time for" is correct and usable in written English.
It is used to suggest giving sufficient time to complete a task or activity. For example: "Allow time for your project to fully develop before making any major decisions."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

The routine didn't allow time for sadness or sympathy.

The Guardian - Opinion

But he must also allow time for his studies.

The New York Times

It's a fabulous bedtime book; allow time for poring over the fascinating detail in the pictures.

The Guardian - Books

Perhaps the reports could be emailed in advance to allow time for more discussion.

The Guardian

Two of next week's performances were canceled to allow time for rehearsal.

The New York Times

This is to allow time for appeal, which happened in the case of Virgin.

The Guardian

Once students are seated, allow time for them to become familiar with their respective statements.

The New York Times

Senator Frist should end the great rush and allow time for honest compromise.

The New York Times

Their purpose to confirm everything had been done and allow time for a consensus opinion.

The Guardian

The board wants to allow time for continuing South Korean and Russian mediation efforts.

The New York Times

Democrats said the current economic crisis did not allow time for public hearings on the legislation.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When teaching or leading a meeting, "allow time for" questions and discussions to foster engagement and understanding.

Common error

Avoid using "allow time for" without clearly stating what the time is for. For example, instead of saying 'Allow time for it', specify 'Allow time for revisions' to avoid ambiguity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "allow time for" functions as a verb phrase used to recommend or instruct someone to allocate sufficient time for a specific activity or purpose. As evidenced by Ludwig, this phrase commonly appears in various contexts ranging from News & Media to Science.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Wiki

24%

Science

9%

Less common in

Huffington Post

9%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "allow time for" is a versatile and commonly used phrase that advises allocating sufficient time for a specific activity or purpose. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and appropriate for a wide range of contexts, from news and media to scientific writing. The phrase functions to promote effective scheduling, prevent oversight, and improve outcomes. Related phrases include "allocate time to", "make time for", and "set aside time for", each offering slightly different nuances. When using "allow time for", ensure you specify the activity to avoid ambiguity. This guide provides a comprehensive overview of the phrase’s usage, alternatives, and common pitfalls to help you use it effectively in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

allocate time to

Replaces 'for' with 'to', focusing on direct allocation.

set aside time for

Emphasizes reserving time specifically for an activity.

make time for

Highlights the effort involved in finding time.

provide sufficient time for

More formal and emphasizes adequacy of time.

schedule time for

Focuses on planning and incorporating time into a schedule.

dedicate time to

Stresses committing time for a specific purpose.

reserve time for

Similar to 'set aside', but can imply official reservation.

earmark time for

Suggests setting time aside for something specific and important.

factor in time for

Emphasizes considering time as a necessary element in planning.

allot time for

Formal and suggests a measured distribution of time.

FAQs

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

You can use "allow time for" to suggest giving sufficient time to complete a task or activity. For example: "Allow time for the project to fully develop before making any major decisions."

What can I say instead of "allow time for"?

You can use alternatives like "allocate time to", "make time for", or "set aside time for" depending on the context.

What is the difference between "allow time for" and "make time for"?

"Allow time for" suggests allocating sufficient time within a schedule, while "make time for" implies creating or finding time, often by prioritizing or rearranging existing commitments.

Is it better to "allow time for" or "set aside time for" something?

Both are correct, but "allow time for" is more general and "set aside time for" is more specific, implying a deliberate act of reserving time for a particular purpose. The choice depends on the desired level of emphasis.