allowed him to

USAGE SUMMARY

'allowed him to' is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate permission or the ability to do something. Example sentence: His parents allowed him to stay out late on Fridays.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The sympathetic guard allowed him to cross.

The New York Times

It allowed him to think fast.

The Guardian

The system allowed him to dodge transparency.

The Guardian - Opinion

She allowed him to kiss her breasts.

The Guardian - Books

That allowed him to apply for asylum.

The New York Times

It allowed him to love Beckett's work.

The Guardian

Playing poker allowed him to recharge mentally.

The Guardian - Sport

Such tricks allowed him to become "unusually rich" in office.

The Economist

His connections allowed him to take chances in Zhengding.

The New York Times

A judge allowed him to continue holding the position.

The New York Times

Did I create an environment that allowed him to thrive?

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing formal permissions, consider stronger synonyms like "authorized" or "licensed" for added emphasis.

Common error

While versatile, "allowed him to" can sound too informal in highly professional or academic writing. Opt for more formal alternatives like "enabled him to" or "permitted him to" to maintain a sophisticated tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "allowed him to" primarily functions as a verb phrase indicating permission or enablement. Ludwig examples show it used to express the granting of opportunity, ability, or authorization for someone to perform an action.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Wiki

10%

Encyclopedias

8%

Less common in

Science

8%

Formal & Business

1%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "allowed him to" is a versatile and frequently used phrase to indicate permission or enablement. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread use across various contexts. While generally neutral, consider using more formal alternatives like "permitted him to" in professional or academic settings. The phrase's frequent appearance in news and media reflects its broad applicability in describing various scenarios where someone is granted the ability to act. Remember to consider the nuance you want to convey, and choose the most appropriate synonym for greater precision.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

permitted him to

Replaces "allowed" with a direct synonym, emphasizing formal authorization.

enabled him to

Focuses on providing the means or opportunity for an action, shifting slightly from permission to capability.

made it possible for him to

More explicitly describes the creation of a possibility, adding emphasis to the resulting opportunity.

gave him the opportunity to

Highlights the provision of a chance or occasion, slightly altering the focus from direct allowance.

authorized him to

Implies official approval or sanction, adding a layer of formality.

let him

A more concise and informal way to express permission.

granted him the ability to

Emphasizes the bestowal of a specific skill or capacity, shifting the focus to empowerment.

facilitated his ability to

Focuses on making the action easier or more achievable, rather than direct permission.

empowered him to

Highlights the granting of power or authority, adding a sense of agency.

licensed him to

Specifies formal licensing or certification, implying a regulated activity.

FAQs

How can I use "allowed him to" in a sentence?

"Allowed him to" indicates that someone was given permission or the ability to do something. For example, "The judge "allowed him to" continue holding the position".

What are some alternatives to "allowed him to"?

You can use phrases like "permitted him to", "enabled him to", or "made it possible for him to" depending on the specific context.

Is "allowed him to" formal or informal?

"Allowed him to" is generally considered neutral but can lean towards informal. In formal writing, consider using "permitted him to" or "authorized him to" for a more professional tone.

What's the difference between "allowed him to" and "helped him to"?

"Allowed him to" implies permission or the removal of an obstacle, whereas "helped him to" suggests assistance or support. For example, "The teacher "allowed him to" retake the test" versus "The teacher "helped him to" study for the test".