allows users to select

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "allows users to select" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when describing a feature or functionality of a system, application, or tool that provides users with the option to make a choice. Example: "The new software update allows users to select their preferred language for the interface."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Datamonkey also allows users to select from distinct codon tables and offers positive selection detection methods that take into account the confounding effects of recombination.

BMC Genomics

Frametastic allows users to select different layouts and place images from their photo libraries into collages.

The New York Times - Tech

That search engine allows users to select characteristics like Trail, Camping and Swimming, and returns a list of suitable parks.

The New York Times - Travel

For a monthly fee of $24.99, the online beta platform allows users to select a partner's photo, name, interests and a story about how you two met.

The New Yorker

Last month the site rolled out several new features, including one that allows users to select hotels closest to a given city landmark.

The New York Times - Travel

The service, which is $10 a month for unlimited use, allows users to select channels and control volume on the cellphone keypad.

The New York Times - Tech

The section titled "See full list of activities and businesses" allows users to select activities, then print a personalized itinerary of sorts.

The New York Times - Travel

It also allows users to select superheroes who are in the list to see what movies were released and compare those against sales figures.

The Guardian

Handsets such as the BT6500, which allows users to select the type of numbers they want to block including premium, mobile and international calls, are also helpful.

Independent

Such a connection allows users to select a specific star or planet and then have the computer direct the telescope to the precise location of that object in the sky.

The New York Times - Tech

"The tool allows users to select a country on a map and view the metadata volume and select details about the collections against that country," according to an NSA factsheet obtained and published by the Guardian.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing user interfaces, be specific about what users are selecting and the impact of their choices. For example, "The application allows users to select their preferred language, changing the interface to their native tongue."

Common error

Avoid phrasing that obscures who is enabling the selection. Instead of "Options are allowed to be selected by users", use the active form: "The system allows users to select options."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "allows users to select" functions as a verb phrase indicating the capability or permission granted to users within a system or interface. Ludwig examples show this function in diverse contexts from software features to online platforms.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

37%

News & Media

39%

Formal & Business

1%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "allows users to select" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression denoting the capability given to users to make choices within a system. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and widespread applicability. Appearing most often in science and news media, it maintains a neutral tone, fitting for diverse contexts. When using this phrase, it’s crucial to be explicit about what users are choosing and the impact of their choices to avoid ambiguity. Alternatives like "lets users choose" or "enables users to pick" can add nuance to the description while maintaining clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

lets users choose

Replaces "select" with "choose", offering a slightly more informal alternative.

enables users to pick

Substitutes "allows" with "enables" and "select" with "pick", suggesting a stronger degree of empowerment.

permits users to specify

Replaces "allows" with "permits" and "select" with "specify", indicating a more formal and precise selection process.

gives users the option to select

Adds "the option to" to emphasize that the selection is a choice among possibilities.

provides users the ability to select

Highlights the user's capability to make a selection, focusing on their competence.

offers users a selection of

Shifts the focus to the variety of options available for selection, rather than the act of selecting itself.

authorizes users to select

Conveys a sense of permission or official endorsement for the user's selection.

facilitates user selection of

Emphasizes the ease and convenience with which users can make their selections.

empowers users to designate

Conveys a sense of user control with a stronger term than "select".

grants users the power to select

Stresses the authority given to users in making their choices.

FAQs

How can I use "allows users to select" in a sentence?

Use "allows users to select" to describe a feature that gives users the ability to choose from a range of options. For example, "The software "allows users to select" different file formats for exporting data".

What are some alternatives to "allows users to select"?

You can use alternatives such as "enables users to choose", "lets users choose", or "permits users to specify", depending on the level of formality and the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to use "allows users to select" or "enables users to select"?

Both phrases are grammatically correct and largely interchangeable. "Allows users to select" is slightly more common, while "enables users to select" might suggest a greater degree of empowerment or capability.

What is the difference between "allows users to select" and "provides users with"?

"Allows users to select" specifically indicates a selection process, while "provides users with" is broader and can refer to any feature or resource made available to users. For example, a system might "provide users with" a dashboard, but it "allows users to select" specific data points to display on that dashboard.