he allows that

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "he allows that" is correct and can be used in written English to indicate that someone grants or gives permission for something to happen.
It can also be used to express that someone acknowledges or admits a certain fact or opinion. Here are some examples: 1. Sheila's father rarely lets her stay out late, but he allows that she can stay out until midnight for her birthday. 2. The boss usually requires employees to work overtime, but he allows that they can leave early on Fridays during the summer. 3. Despite his protests, Jason's friends allowed that he had the final say in their group project. 4. Although she was nervous to speak in public, the mayor allowed that she needed to give a speech at the town hall meeting. 5. The judge allowed that the witness's testimony was crucial to the case and must be heard in court.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But," he allows, "that is not true of everyone.

The New York Times

"I don't make no special price," he said, but he allows that folding money is preferred.

The New York Times

He has defended nations' right to self-defense, and he allows that military force may be needed in some instances of humanitarian intervention.

The New York Times

While refusing to speculate on any future American action against Libya, he allows that Qaddafi faces a daunting task in ever fully mending fences with the United States.

The New York Times - Magazine

Flemming is a toast-of-New York cop who uses the media to his benefit, although, he allows, "That stuff hurts as much as it helps".

The New York Times

Thomas addresses every item on the list with a uniform, "No comment," although he allows that Woodson is "a good friend of mine" and that he has "a great relationship" with Anthony.

The New York Times - Sports

He allows that judgments grounded in clear and distinct perception are defeasible (at least, for those who've not yet read the Meditations).

SEP

He allows that "the stock market moves in unpredictable ways".

The New York Times - Books

He allows that it might be only one of a number of "bounds".

The New Yorker

Although fit and trim, he allows that he has slowed down.

The New York Times - Sports

He allows that this fall was "a little bit later than normal, about two weeks late".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "he allows that" to introduce a statement where someone acknowledges a point, often after initially disagreeing or hesitating. It adds a layer of nuance, suggesting a considered concession.

Common error

Avoid using "he allows that" when a simple "he says that" or "he states that" would suffice. This phrase is most effective when highlighting a concession or a reluctant agreement, not merely reporting a neutral statement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "he allows that" functions as a reporting clause, introducing a statement or opinion that someone acknowledges or concedes. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Science

30%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "he allows that" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression to indicate acknowledgement, concession, or admission. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it functions primarily as a reporting clause, often carrying a nuance of prior disagreement or hesitation. Its prevalence in news, scientific, and academic sources underscores its broad applicability, while its subtle formality makes it suitable for professional and considered communication. When choosing an alternative, consider "he concedes that" or "he admits that" to closely mirror the original meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

he concedes that

Replaces "allows" with "concedes", implying a reluctant admission.

he admits that

Uses "admits" instead of "allows", suggesting a more direct acknowledgement.

he acknowledges that

Substitutes "allows" with "acknowledges", indicating recognition of a fact or truth.

he grants that

Replaces "allows" with "grants", implying a formal or official acknowledgement.

he recognizes that

Uses "recognizes" instead of "allows", suggesting a clear understanding and acceptance.

he accepts that

Substitutes "allows" with "accepts", indicating agreement or consent.

he agrees that

Replaces "allows" with "agrees", implying shared opinion or consensus.

he confirms that

Uses "confirms" instead of "allows", suggesting verification or validation.

he observes that

Substitutes "allows" with "observes", indicating noticing or pointing out something.

he notes that

Replaces "allows" with "notes", implying a formal or official observation.

FAQs

What does "he allows that" mean?

The phrase "he allows that" indicates that someone concedes, admits, or acknowledges a particular point, often after some hesitation or initial disagreement. It suggests a form of reluctant agreement or acknowledgement.

How to use "he allows that" in a sentence?

You can use "he allows that" to introduce a statement where someone grants or acknowledges a point. For example, "Although he initially opposed the plan, "he allows that" it has some merit."

What are some alternatives to "he allows that"?

Alternatives to "he allows that" include "he concedes that", "he admits that", or "he acknowledges that". The choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "he allows that" formal or informal?

"He allows that" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, though it leans slightly towards a more formal register. It is frequently used in news reporting, academic writing, and professional communication.