if it allows

USAGE SUMMARY

"if it allows" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to express the idea that something may or may not happen, depending on certain conditions. For example: "I would like to spend more time outdoors, if it allows."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Primarily, it asserts, it is tough to ensure picture quality and user experience if it allows its customers to download content willy-nilly.

The New York Times - Tech

Doesn't India stand to lose much economic clout if it allows America to dominate its China policy?

Forbes

An agreement with AMD could help a lot more, if it allows Fujitsu to pass more of its chip business to a more promising foreign partner.

The Economist

And this body places itself in danger of irrelevance if it allows Iraq to continue to defy its will without responding effectively and immediately.

The Guardian

It's not clear that this new migration is a positive step, even if it allows blacks to escape the city and its troubles.

The New York Times

It cannot perform this function if it allows members of the executive branch to flout its subpoenas and its oversight.

The New York Times

That could be worth paying if it allows you to access a mortgage with minimal fuss.

The Guardian - Money

If it allows them, no country will be able to escape them on its own.

The Guardian - Tech

While Facebook temporarily blocked "affinity marketing," it's unclear if it allows other discriminatory targeting.

The New York Times

So shouldn't we cut the best deal we can now, even if it allows Iran to continue enriching?

The New York Times

And Dickens showed how bleak a house can become if it allows itself to be consumed by a lawsuit.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "if it allows", ensure the subject 'it' is clearly defined in the preceding context to avoid ambiguity. This ensures clear communication.

Common error

Avoid using "if it allows" when the 'it' lacks a clear referent in the sentence. This can confuse the reader and weaken the overall clarity of your writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "if it allows" functions as a conditional conjunction, introducing a subordinate clause that specifies a condition upon which the main clause depends. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in numerous contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

53%

Science

23%

Academia

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Unknown/unmatched sources

8%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "if it allows" is a grammatically sound and widely used conditional conjunction. As Ludwig AI confirms, this expression appears across diverse contexts like News & Media, Science, and Academia, functioning to introduce a condition upon which an action or event depends. While it maintains a generally neutral register, clarity is key, emphasizing the need for a clear referent for 'it'. Consider alternatives like "provided it permits" or "assuming it grants" to refine the tone. By avoiding vague pronoun references and ensuring contextually appropriate usage, you can effectively use "if it allows" in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

on condition that it enables

Highlights the enabling aspect, suggesting that the permission specifically makes something possible.

depending on whether it consents

Emphasizes the act of agreeing or assenting, implying a choice is involved.

provided it permits

More formal alternative using 'provided' to introduce the condition and 'permits' for a more official tone.

contingent on its approval

Focuses on the approval as a necessary condition for something to proceed.

subject to its allowance

Highlights that something is only possible because allowance has been made.

assuming it grants

Emphasizes the act of bestowing or conferring permission, suggesting a formal authorization.

should it sanction

Suggests official approval or endorsement, often in a legal or regulatory context.

in the event it authorizes

Highly formal and specific, implying a legal or official authorization is necessary.

if it gives leave to

Archaic and formal, implying permission is being granted by someone in authority.

as long as it okays

Informal and direct, indicating a simple approval is sufficient.

FAQs

How can I use "if it allows" in a sentence?

Use "if it allows" to express a conditional possibility. For example, "We can proceed with the project, "if it allows" us to meet the deadline".

What are some alternatives to saying "if it allows"?

Alternatives include "provided it permits", "assuming it grants", or "on condition that it enables", depending on the desired level of formality.

Is it grammatically correct to start a sentence with "if it allows"?

While less common, starting a sentence with "if it allows" is grammatically correct. However, ensure the sentence flows logically and the condition is clear. For instance, "If it allows, we will reschedule the meeting".

What's the difference between "if it allows" and "if it permits"?

While similar, "allows" is more general, while "permits" suggests formal authorization. You might say, "The software works "if it allows" access to the internet", but "The city permits construction "if it allows" developers to meet environmental standards".