allow to try

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "allow to try" is not correct in English as it lacks a subject and an object.
It can be used in contexts where permission is granted, but it needs to be rephrased for clarity. Example: "I will allow you to try the new software."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

Wiki

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

Use a teaspoon or similar to move it from the bowl to the compact, patting it down as firmly as the paste will allow, to try and make it sit evenly in the container.

WikiHow

Allow to try firmly.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

Under the deal, prosecutors were allowed to try to prove that the killings were premeditated.

The New York Times

Some are allowed to try again, but most find other jobs in the corps.

The New York Times

"And now I'm not allowed to try to help my team draw.

The Guardian - Sport

Today in Iraq local commanders seem to be allowed to try anything.

The New York Times

After her second stillbirth, the committee told Mary she would not be allowed to try again.

The New York Times - Travel

Unlike boxing, competitors were not allowed to try to avoid the blows.

The Times

Patricia Walker, 32, was also waiting to be allowed to try to check in to her flight, to Freetown, Sierra Leone.

The New York Times

No, Mr. Sheehan said, people will not be allowed to try on the slippers, or even touch them.

The New York Times

"I worry that once you get known for one thing, you're never really allowed to try another," he said.

The New York Times - Food

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Always include a subject and object with "allow to try" to clarify who is allowing whom to try something. For example, instead of "allow to try", write "I will allow you to try the new software".

Common error

Avoid using "allow to try" without specifying who is granting permission and who is receiving it. This omission leads to grammatical errors and ambiguity. Always restructure to include these elements.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "allow to try", while grammatically questionable, functions as a verb phrase that expresses permission or possibility for an action. As Ludwig AI points out, it needs restructuring for clarity to specify who is allowing whom to try.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Wiki

33%

Science

33%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, while the phrase "allow to try" may appear in various sources, it's grammatically incorrect due to the omission of a subject and object. Ludwig AI highlights this deficiency. It conveys the idea of granting permission, but requires restructuring for clarity and precision. It appears most often in News & Media, Wiki, and Science contexts, but its informal nature makes it less suitable for formal writing. To avoid ambiguity, it's recommended to use more explicit alternatives such as "permit to attempt" or "grant permission to try", ensuring that both the giver and receiver of permission are clearly identified.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

let to attempt

A more direct and informal way of saying "allow to try", replacing "allow" with "let" and "try" with "attempt".

permit to attempt

Replaces "allow" with the more formal "permit" and "try" with "attempt", increasing formality.

authorize to attempt

Similar to "permit to attempt" but implies a higher level of formal authorization.

grant permission to try

Emphasizes the act of giving permission explicitly.

enable to try

Focuses on providing the means or ability to try.

give leave to try

Uses a more formal and somewhat archaic expression for granting permission.

give the go-ahead to try

Uses an idiomatic expression for granting permission, making it more informal.

afford the opportunity to try

Highlights the provision of an opportunity to try, rather than direct permission.

entitle to try

Suggests a right or entitlement to try something.

license to try

Implies formal permission or a license to proceed.

FAQs

What's grammatically wrong with "allow to try"?

The phrase "allow to try" lacks a subject (who is allowing) and an object (who is being allowed). It needs to be rephrased to be grammatically correct; for instance, "I will "permit to attempt"".

How can I rephrase "allow to try" to be more clear?

To make the phrase clearer, specify who is granting permission and who is trying. For example, "The teacher will "let to attempt" the exercise again" is clearer than simply "allow to try".

When is it appropriate to use "allow to try"?

While grammatically questionable, it may be acceptable in very informal contexts where the subject and object are heavily implied. However, it's always better to use a more explicit phrasing for clarity. For example: "They will "give leave to try" one more time".

What are some formal alternatives to "allow to try"?

Formal alternatives include phrases like "grant permission to try" or "authorize to attempt", which are more precise and grammatically sound.