either allows

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "either allows" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when presenting two options or possibilities that permit or enable something to happen. Example: "The new policy either allows employees to work from home or requires them to come into the office."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

Each one either allows the electron to pass or stops it in its tracks.

The New York Times - Tech

Unless the government either allows defaults and failures, or arrests some bankers, how can it force the banks to improve their risk and liquidity management and really start channeling financing to more productive parts of the economy?

The New York Times

And third, it either allows or compels schools to provide all the resources they have available.

TechCrunch

Instead of attempting to interpret and modify a rule, like FlowVisor, FSFW either allows a rule to pass or rejects it, sending an error to the controller.

Journal of Internet Services and Applications

It can be interpreted as the southern surface being younger than the rest of the asteroid, or made of a material which either allows the formation of deeper features or prevents their erosion.

Planetary and Space Science

It either allows you to embrace an amor fati attitude, or it reveals us to the fragility of life and awakens our perspective to the broad horizon of suffering.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

It's either allowing these trends to worsen, or reversing them.

The Guardian - Opinion

The rest either allow prisoners full voting rights or restrict the franchise only partially.

The Economist

Red Sox starter John Lackey was not dominant, either, allowing three runs in six innings.

The New York Times - Sports

"We either allow collapse to overtake us or develop a new sustainable economic model.

The New York Times

They can either allow the former Yugoslav strongman to overhaul his defense schedule or risk accusations of an unfair trial.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "either allows", ensure the sentence structure clearly presents two distinct and mutually exclusive possibilities. Clarity in contrasting the two options is essential for effective communication.

Common error

Avoid using "either allows" with options that aren't grammatically parallel. For example, "either allows access or is blocking the entrance" is incorrect. Instead, use "either allows access or blocks the entrance" for parallelism.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "either allows" functions as a correlative conjunction, introducing one of two possibilities or alternatives. It sets up a conditional choice, where one option leads to permission or enablement. Ludwig AI indicates the phrase is grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

50%

News & Media

40%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "either allows" functions as a correlative conjunction that introduces a choice between two possibilities, with one option granting permission or enabling a specific action. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and versatile, making it suitable for both formal and informal contexts. While primarily used in Science and News & Media, it's important to maintain parallel structure in the sentence to avoid grammatical errors. By understanding its function and purpose, writers can effectively use "either allows" to convey clear and concise choices.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

alternatively permits

Replaces "either" with "alternatively", suggesting another choice.

or it may permit

Breaks the phrase into two clauses for emphasis.

instead grants permission

Emphasizes the act of granting permission as the alternative.

on the other hand enables

Uses a contrasting phrase to introduce the alternative.

as an alternative, it authorizes

More formal and emphasizes the power to permit.

or it could authorize

Suggests possibility and emphasizes authorization.

conversely, sanctions

Introduces a contrasting and more formal term for 'allows'.

by contrast, facilitates

Highlights the facilitation aspect as a contrasting option.

instead, gives leave to

Emphasizes the granting of leave or permission.

alternatively, it licenses

More specific, suggesting formal approval.

FAQs

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

Use "either allows" to present two choices, where one of them permits a specific action or state. For example, "The software either allows the user to save the file, or it prompts them to create an account".

What phrases are similar to "either allows"?

Alternatives include "alternatively permits", "or it may permit", or "instead grants permission", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it better to use "either allows" or "either permits"?

"Either allows" and "either permits" are largely interchangeable. "Permits" is slightly more formal, while "allows" is more common in everyday language. The choice depends on the context and desired tone.

What's the difference between "either allows" and "both allow"?

"Either allows" presents two separate possibilities, while "both allow" indicates that two options commonly permit something together, rather than as alternatives.