allowed us to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "allowed us to" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is typically used when talking about giving permission for an action or to express how something enabled someone else to do something. For example: "The teacher allowed us to go outside for recess."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

HPLC DAD allowed us to differentiate the gums used.

Applied Radiation and Isotopes

Maybe that allowed us to stay loose.

The New York Times

It allowed us to live".

The Guardian

She's allowed us to share this PDF.

The New York Times

"They've allowed us to make a home".

The New York Times

They allowed us to do that".

The Guardian - Business

"It allowed us to take that series.

The New York Times - Sports

That allowed us to be daring".

The Guardian - Music

The judge allowed us to do this.

The Guardian - Opinion

And music allowed us to do that".

The New York Times

The plow allowed us to cultivate crops.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "allowed us to" when you want to clearly express that a specific action, condition, or circumstance provided the opportunity or permission for a subsequent action to occur. For instance, "The new software allowed us to streamline our workflow."

Common error

Avoid using "allowed us to" when a more direct active voice construction is appropriate. For example, instead of saying "The changes allowed us to improve efficiency", consider "The changes enabled us to improve efficiency" for a stronger, more direct statement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "allowed us to" functions as a verb phrase indicating enablement or permission. It connects a subject (often an action, event, or tool) to the resulting ability or opportunity for action. Ludwig AI confirms this usage through numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

54%

News & Media

44%

Formal & Business

2%

Less common in

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "allowed us to" is a versatile and commonly used expression to indicate that something enabled or permitted a particular action. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct and appears frequently in diverse sources, including science and news media. While it maintains a neutral register, it's crucial to consider more formal alternatives like "enabled us to" or "permitted us to" in certain contexts. Remember to use this phrase to clearly highlight how something facilitated a specific outcome.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

enabled us to

Emphasizes the capability or means provided to perform an action.

permitted us to

Highlights the granting of permission to undertake an action.

made it possible for us to

Stresses the act of making something feasible.

let us

More informal and direct way of expressing permission.

authorized us to

Implies formal approval or sanction.

gave us the opportunity to

Focuses on providing a chance or possibility.

provided a way for us to

Focuses on offering a method or solution.

created the possibility for us to

Highlights the creation of a chance or possibility.

facilitated our ability to

Emphasizes the ease or smoothness of the action.

empowered us to

Suggests giving the power or authority to act.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "allowed us to" in formal writing?

In formal contexts, consider alternatives like "enabled us to", "permitted us to", or "authorized us to" to maintain a professional tone.

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

"Allowed us to" implies permission or opportunity, whereas "helped us to" suggests assistance or support. The choice depends on whether you want to emphasize enablement or aid in achieving something.

Is it correct to say "that allowed for us to" instead of "allowed us to"?

While understandable, "that allowed for us to" is less concise and slightly awkward. "Allowed us to" is the preferred and more grammatically sound option.

Which is more formal, "allowed us to" or "made it possible for us to"?

"Allowed us to" is generally more concise and acceptable in most contexts. "Made it possible for us to" is slightly more emphatic but can sometimes sound verbose.