allowing

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "allowing" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate permission or the act of making something possible. Example: "The new policy is allowing employees to work from home two days a week."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sport

Tech

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It was also reported that Darling "flipped" the location of his second home four times in four years, allowing him to claim thousands of pounds towards the cost of his Edinburgh home and a London flat.

The Guardian

In the early 2000s, pharmaceutical companies were high on activists' hit lists, prompted by Big Pharma's ill-advised attempt to sue the South African government for patent infringement on HIV drugs; an attempt to deal with the country's epidemic by allowing cheaper, generic copies to be sold.

The Guardian

"All sides should seek a consensus allowing a return to calm," an EU statement said.

The Guardian

After months of wrangling, the broadcasters finally agreed seven leaders would be allowed to take part, allowing David Cameron to dodge a head-to-head with Ed Miliband.

The Guardian

With his team now back in third after allowing Milan to make up seven points in the space of three games, it seems increasingly likely that the Tinkerman will not be around to welcome them to Turin.

The Guardian - Sport

Meanwhile, Amazon's latest "pilot season" rolled out this Thursday, allowing viewers to watch and rate potential new shows, with the most popular being turned into full series.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

The death of Gurley, whom Bratton called "a total innocent" at the time, helped seal the indictment of the city's practice of allowing poorly trained officers to police impact zones.

The Guardian

If the practical effect of the law is that people live in fear because the offender is unafraid of the legal process then, in the name of civil liberties, we are allowing the vulnerable, the decent, the people who show respect and expect it back, to have their essential liberties trampled on.

The Guardian - Opinion

"At first the Germans thought they were being generous to the Jews, allowing us to play," says Anka. "Then they saw how wonderfully the music was played, and presumably had the idea to stage performances, and make films, for the outside world".

The Guardian - Music

Michael McGowan's free-kick was met by the Ayr defender Chris Smith only six yards out but he failed to make proper contact, allowing the goalkeeper Graham Stack to smother.

The Guardian - Sport

The fear of being abandoned by one's parents (Hansel and Gretel), or of being destroyed by (or destroying) a parent or sibling – always disguised as, say, a "wicked stepsister" or "stepmother" – recurs again and again, allowing children to access their darker fantasies.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "allowing", ensure the sentence clearly indicates who or what is granting the permission or making something possible. Clarity is key.

Common error

Avoid ambiguity by placing the "allowing" phrase close to the subject it modifies. Misplaced modifiers can create confusion.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "allowing" is that of a present participle or gerund. It is frequently used as part of a verb phrase to indicate permission or enablement. As Ludwig AI confirms, this usage is grammatically sound.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Sport

16%

Tech

9%

Less common in

Opinion

6%

Business

5%

Lifestyle

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "allowing" functions as a present participle or gerund, commonly employed to denote permission or enablement across diverse contexts. As Ludwig AI confirms, its grammatical correctness and frequent usage make it a versatile addition to any writer's toolkit. The most frequent contexts include News & Media, Sport, and Tech. To ensure clarity, writers should place "allowing" close to its subject and avoid ambiguity, drawing insight from Ludwig's real-world examples to maximize impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

permitting

Replaces "allowing" with a more formal synonym, emphasizing explicit consent or authorization.

enabling

Focuses on making something possible or providing the means for it to happen.

facilitating

Highlights the act of making a process or action easier or more convenient.

granting

Suggests formally giving someone something, such as permission or a right.

authorizing

Implies official approval or sanction for something to occur.

giving leave

A more idiomatic expression for granting permission, often used in formal contexts.

making possible

Shifts the focus to the outcome of enabling something, rather than the act itself.

by virtue of

Indicates that something is happening because of a particular quality or power.

in light of

Acknowledges certain facts before proceeding, which can include making certain choices or possibilities more viable.

considering

Implies taking something into account, often as a form of concession or acceptance.

FAQs

How can I use "allowing" in a sentence?

Use "allowing" to indicate permission or enablement. For example, "The new policy is "allowing employees" to work remotely." It can also be used to express consideration, such as "Allowing for unforeseen circumstances, the project should be completed on time."

What are some alternatives to "allowing"?

Depending on the context, you can replace "allowing" with synonyms such as "permitting", "enabling", or "facilitating". The best choice will depend on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "allowing to"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct to use "allowing to", as in "The rules are "allowing students to" submit their assignments late". However, ensure the sentence structure is clear and avoids ambiguity.

What is the difference between "allowing" and "enabling"?

"Allowing" suggests giving permission for something, while "enabling" implies providing the means or opportunity for something to happen. For instance, a teacher might "allow students to" use calculators, while providing extra tutoring "enabling them to" succeed.