allowing for

USAGE SUMMARY

"allowing for" is a correct and usable part of a sentence in written English.
It can be used to refer to taking something into consideration or making allowances for something. For example, "The match was postponed, allowing for the fact that the stadium was flooded."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Carroll was allowing for nightmare, murderous impulses.

The New York Times

The space's walls are movable, allowing for impromptu art shows.

The New York Times

Even allowing for unseemly aggrandisement that's quite a boast.

The Guardian - Tech

Tea shops line the path, allowing for much-needed breaks.

The Guardian - Travel

Even allowing for the hype, it was a key moment".

The Guardian - Business

Even allowing for the hyperbole, the article was odd.

The Guardian

Eventually, optical wiring will replace copper, allowing for faster speeds.

The New York Times - Tech

They are radically stylized, allowing for no trace of personality.

The New Yorker

Even allowing for tactics, the tone was agnostic, tepid.

The Guardian

Even allowing for statistical error, the figures were impressive.

The Guardian

Even allowing for all that, some Wife Swaps are amazing.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "allowing for", clearly state what factor or circumstance is being considered to avoid ambiguity. For example, "The project will be completed on time, allowing for potential weather delays."

Common error

Avoid using "allowing for" as a simple substitute for "because of" or "due to". "Allowing for" implies a proactive consideration, not just a reactive explanation. It's more appropriate to say "The hike was challenging, allowing for the steep incline", rather than "The hiker struggled, allowing for the steep incline".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "allowing for" functions as a prepositional phrase that introduces a condition or factor that is being taken into consideration. It modifies a verb or clause by indicating a contingency or adjustment. As Ludwig AI confirms, this is a correct and usable phrase.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

30%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "allowing for" is a versatile and frequently used prepositional phrase that signifies the act of taking something into consideration or making adjustments for specific factors. Ludwig AI validates its grammatical correctness and widespread applicability. It commonly appears in diverse contexts like News & Media and Science, demonstrating its utility in expressing contingency and realistic planning. To ensure clarity, explicitly state the factor being considered when using "allowing for". Remember, it's not a direct substitute for phrases like "because of" but rather highlights proactive consideration. Use alternatives like "taking into account" or "considering" depending on the nuance you aim to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

taking into account

This alternative is focused on the act of considering something important while evaluating a situation.

factoring in

This conveys that something is integrated as a component into a decision or assessment.

making allowances for

This explicitly states that adjustments are being made to accommodate certain factors.

considering

This expresses a more general sense of weighing or thinking about something.

bearing in mind

This highlights the importance of remembering or being mindful of certain facts.

making provision for

This means planning ahead and setting aside resources or measures for a specific contingency.

with consideration for

This emphasizes the thoughtful and careful nature of the consideration.

keeping in view

This emphasizes the act of maintaining focus on a particular element or factor.

taking cognizance of

This implies a formal recognition and acknowledgement of specific information.

giving due regard to

This conveys the act of paying appropriate and respectful attention to something.

FAQs

How can I use "allowing for" in a sentence?

"Allowing for" is used to indicate that a particular factor or circumstance is being taken into consideration. For example, "The budget is tight, but we can still proceed, "allowing for" some minor adjustments".

What are some alternatives to "allowing for"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "taking into account", "considering", or "factoring in".

Is it better to say "allowing for" or "taking into consideration"?

Both ""allowing for"" and "taking into consideration" are correct, but "allowing for" is more concise and often preferred in informal contexts. The choice depends on the desired level of formality and the specific nuance you want to convey.

What does ""allowing for"" imply in project management?

In project management, "allowing for" typically refers to the practice of building contingencies into schedules, budgets, or resource allocation plans to accommodate potential risks, delays, or unexpected events. This ensures projects are more robust and resilient to unforeseen challenges.