are allowing

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "are allowing" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something is currently being permitted or enabled by someone or something. Example: "The new policy changes are allowing employees to work from home more frequently."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

The more we make these [bullying actions] allowable, you are allowing things to happen.

Vice

He added: "You are allowing homosexuality abroad.

The New York Times

"If other races are allowing it, then shame on them".

The New York Times - Sports

The Jets are allowing 4.5 yards in his absence.

The New York Times - Sports

The Jets are allowing 167.5 yards rushing per game.

The New York Times - Sports

The Mets are allowing Hampton to take his time.

The New York Times - Sports

The Patriots are allowing 3.5 yards a rush.

The New York Times - Sports

It's the Democrats that are allowing money to drive everything".

The New Yorker

Now, two automakers are allowing this to happen.

The New York Times

These weaknesses are allowing potentially fatal flaws to remain undetected.

The New York Times

Suddenly, Bills fans are allowing themselves to think big.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the tone and context. While "are allowing" is generally acceptable, more formal options like "are permitting" may be better suited for professional writing.

Common error

Avoid using "are allowing" with unspecified or implied subjects. Always specify who or what is granting the permission to avoid confusion. For example, instead of "Mistakes are allowing", specify "Poor proofreading skills are allowing mistakes to go unnoticed".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are allowing" functions as a present progressive verb phrase, indicating an ongoing action of permitting or enabling something. As confirmed by Ludwig, it is a grammatically correct and usable phrase. Examples show it used to describe current permissions and enabling actions.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "are allowing" is a grammatically sound and frequently used verb phrase, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. It indicates the present progressive action of granting permission or enabling something. While versatile, it is most commonly found in news and media contexts, exhibiting a neutral register. For more formal settings, alternatives like "are permitting" or "are authorizing" may be more appropriate. Ensure that the subject of the phrase is clearly defined to avoid ambiguity in writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

are permitting

Replaces "allowing" with "permitting", a direct synonym, maintaining a similar level of formality.

are enabling

Focuses on providing the means or opportunity for something to happen, rather than just giving permission.

are authorizing

Implies a formal approval or sanction, often used in legal or official contexts.

are granting

Highlights the act of bestowing or conferring something, like a privilege or right.

are letting

A more informal way of saying "are allowing", suitable for casual conversation.

are giving consent to

Emphasizes agreement or permission, especially in situations involving ethical considerations.

are giving leave to

More formal, specifically referring to granting permission.

are giving the green light to

An idiomatic expression indicating approval for a project or action.

are giving the go-ahead to

Informal synonym indicating permission to proceed.

are acquiescing to

Suggests reluctant agreement or acceptance without protest.

FAQs

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

You can use "are allowing" to indicate that someone or something is currently permitting or enabling an action. For example, "The new regulations "are allowing" businesses to expand more easily".

What are some alternatives to "are allowing"?

Alternatives to "are allowing" include "are permitting", "are enabling", and "are authorizing". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you wish to convey.

Is there a difference between "are allowing" and "are letting"?

While both phrases indicate permission, "are letting" is generally more informal than "are allowing". You might say, "My parents "are allowing" me to stay out late", or, more casually, "My parents "are letting" me stay out late".

When is it appropriate to use "are allowing" in formal writing?

It's generally acceptable to use "are allowing" in formal writing when the context doesn't require a more emphatic or official tone. However, in legal or highly formal documents, alternatives like "are permitting" or "are authorizing" might be more appropriate.