can allow for

USAGE SUMMARY

"can allow for" is correct and is used frequently in written English.
It is typically used to express that a particular situation, fact, or event can make something else possible. Example sentence: This new educational program can allow for more specialized learning opportunities.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But Rachel can allow for only one possibility.

The New York Times

Formal experimentation means that he can allow for a lot of failure.

The New Yorker

"The freedom given to the government in spending this money can allow for certain abuses, O.K.

The New Yorker

It has its own grammatical rules, which can allow for greater expressiveness than standard German.

The Economist

Zoning in Midtown also helps, since it can allow for extremely tall buildings.

The New York Times

I found fascinating how technology can allow for one instrument to sound like many others.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Understanding how the UPR can allow for adaptation, instead of apoptosis, is of tremendous physiological importance.

Trends in Biochemical Sciences

In both the near and far fields, simplifying approximations can allow for closed form transmission functions.

Nuclear Instruments and Methods in Physics Research Section A: Accelerators, Spectrometers, Detectors and Associated Equipment

Clothing can allow for people to create themselves anew, he says, including the potential of blurring genders.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

This can allow, for instance, an internet connection to be transmitted from the house to the garden shed.

The Guardian - Tech

That extra space, along with slight changes to the cabin and seating pitch, can allow for another row of seating.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "can allow for" when you want to emphasize that a specific condition or action creates the possibility for something else to occur. Ensure the sentence clearly articulates both the condition and the potential outcome.

Common error

Avoid using "can allow for" excessively in overly complex sentences. This can lead to convoluted writing and obscure the intended meaning. Break down long sentences for clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "can allow for" functions as a modal verb construction, expressing possibility or permission. Ludwig provides numerous examples where this phrase introduces a potential outcome or a permitted action, reinforcing its role in indicating future possibilities.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

37%

Science

44%

Formal & Business

9%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Academia

6%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "can allow for" is a versatile construction used to express that something creates a possibility or provides an opportunity for another event or condition. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is grammatically correct and frequently appears in a wide array of contexts, from news and media to scientific literature and business documents. While it's generally suitable for both formal and informal settings, it's important to use it judiciously, avoiding overuse in complex sentences. Consider alternatives like "can enable" or "can facilitate" to add nuance or precision to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

can facilitate

This alternative emphasizes the ease or smoothness with which something can be achieved.

can enable

This alternative focuses on providing the means or opportunity for something to happen.

can permit

This suggests formal authorization or possibility.

can make possible

This highlights the potential creation of an opportunity.

can give rise to

This alternative suggests that something might emerge or develop as a result.

can pave the way for

This implies creating the conditions for something else to happen subsequently.

can open the door to

This suggests creating an opportunity or making something accessible.

can contribute to

This indicates the phrase can be a factor in achieving a certain result.

can lead to

This alternative emphasizes the consequence or result of something.

can accommodate

This suggests the phrase can adjust or make room for something.

FAQs

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

Use "can allow for" to indicate that something makes a particular outcome possible. For example, "This new policy "can allow for" greater flexibility in scheduling".

What's a good alternative to "can allow for"?

Depending on the context, alternatives include "can enable", "can facilitate", or "can permit". Choose the alternative that best fits the nuance of your sentence.

Is "can allow for" formal or informal?

"Can allow for" is generally considered suitable for both formal and informal contexts. However, in highly formal writing, consider using a more precise synonym to enhance clarity.

Which is correct, "can allow for" or "allows for"?

Both "can allow for" and "allows for" are grammatically correct, but they have different meanings. "Allows for" indicates a present ability or provision, while "can allow for" suggests a potential or conditional possibility.