allows for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "allows for" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a scenario in which something is possible. For example, "This online course allows for flexible scheduling options."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It allows for naivete.

The New Yorker

This allows for change.

The New York Times

Camus allows for ambiguity.

The Guardian - Books

Cuban street life allows for little privacy.

The New York Times

It also allows for punitive damages.

The Economist

"What this allows for is cafe society.

The New York Times

It allows for pervasive surveillance and censorship.

The New Yorker

It allows for competition between regions.

The Economist

The technology allows for real-time feedback.

The New York Times

More consistent rainfall allows for better farming.

The New York Times

Electron microscopy allows for higher magnifications.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "allows for" when you want to indicate that a specific condition, feature, or rule creates the possibility for something else to occur or be accommodated. This phrase is versatile and can be used in various contexts, from technical specifications to abstract concepts.

Common error

Avoid using "allow to" instead of "allows for". "Allow to" typically indicates permission, while "allows for" indicates possibility or accommodation. For example, say "The design allows for expansion" instead of "The design allows to expand."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "allows for" functions as a verb phrase that introduces the possibility or accommodation of something. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a grammatically sound and widely used expression. It indicates that a particular condition or feature makes something else feasible or permissible.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

53%

Wiki

23%

Science

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Formal & Business

8%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "allows for" is a versatile and grammatically correct expression that indicates possibility or accommodation. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is widely used across a variety of contexts, including news, technical documentation, and general writing. When using "allows for", ensure you are indicating that a specific condition or feature makes something else feasible. Avoid the common mistake of using "allow to" in its place, as they have different meanings. To enhance your writing, consider alternatives like "makes possible", "permits", or "enables", depending on the nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

makes possible

Direct replacement focusing on the action of enabling.

permits

A more formal synonym emphasizing authorization.

enables

Highlights the capacity to do something as a result.

facilitates

Suggests making something easier or smoother.

provides for

Emphasizes anticipation or planning for something.

accommodates

Focuses on adjusting to include something.

gives opportunity for

Adds emphasis to possibility of something happening.

creates the potential for

Focuses on the possibility of something arising.

opens the door to

Suggests an initial step toward new possibilities.

leaves room for

Highlights that something is not entirely restrictive or defined.

FAQs

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

Use "allows for" to indicate that something makes a particular outcome, feature, or action possible. For instance, "The flexible design "allows for" future modifications".

What's a good alternative to "allows for"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "makes possible", "permits", or "enables" to convey a similar meaning.

What is the difference between "allows for" and "allows to"?

"Allows for" indicates possibility or accommodation (e.g., "The schedule "allows for" flexibility"), while "allows to" suggests permission or enablement to perform an action (e.g., "The system allows users to access their data").

Is "allows of" a correct alternative to "allows for"?

No, "allows of" is not a standard or correct alternative to ""allows for"". Always use "allows for" to indicate that something makes something else possible.