is allowing

USAGE SUMMARY

"is allowing" is a perfectly acceptable phrase in written English.
It is commonly used to refer to someone granting permission. For example: "The teacher is allowing the students to work on their test in groups."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

And the Education Ministry is allowing it".

The New York Times

Only Minnesota is allowing more (106.7).

The New York Times - Sports

Brodeur is allowing soft goals on first shots.

The New York Times - Sports

"Social media is allowing them to create an edited reality".

The Guardian

Motorola is allowing executives to travel to Vietnam again.

The New York Times

Google is allowing publishers to opt out of the program.

The New York Times - Tech

The court is allowing discovery to go forward without limitation".

The New York Times - Arts

Chile's democratically elected government is allowing it to move forward.

The New York Times

One is allowing patent applications to be filed electronically.

The New York Times

"Pfizer is allowing physicians to make intelligent choices for patients".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

"Technology is allowing us to do that".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "is allowing", ensure the subject clearly identifies who is granting the permission and the object specifies what is being permitted. For instance, "The company is allowing employees to work from home twice a week."

Common error

Avoid using "is allowing" with plural subjects. The correct form for a plural subject would be "are allowing". For example, "The managers are allowing flexible work hours".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is allowing" functions as a present progressive verb phrase, indicating an ongoing action of granting permission or enabling something. Ludwig demonstrates its use in various contexts, highlighting its role in expressing current permissions or actions.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "is allowing" is a common and grammatically sound way to express that someone or something is currently granting permission or enabling a certain action. Ludwig AI confirms its acceptability and widespread use. It is most frequently found in News & Media contexts, followed by Science and Formal & Business settings. While generally neutral in register, context determines its specific tone. When using "is allowing", clarity regarding who is granting permission and what is being permitted is paramount. Alternatives like "is permitting" or "is enabling" can add nuance depending on the intended meaning. Remember to maintain subject-verb agreement by using "are allowing" with plural subjects. Overall, "is allowing" is a versatile and reliable phrase for conveying permission or enablement in various communicative situations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is permitting

Replaces "allowing" with a synonym, maintaining the meaning of granting permission.

is enabling

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

is authorizing

Implies formal or official permission, suitable for contexts requiring authority.

is letting

An informal alternative, conveying permission in a more casual tone.

is granting

Suggests a more formal or significant act of giving permission or opportunity.

is facilitating

Emphasizes making something easier or more likely to happen.

is supporting

Highlights providing assistance or encouragement, which may imply permission.

is accommodating

Suggests making adjustments or concessions to allow something.

is consenting to

Emphasizes agreement or approval, which leads to something being allowed.

is tolerating

Implies reluctantly allowing something, often something undesirable.

FAQs

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

Use "is allowing" to indicate that someone or something is giving permission or enabling something to happen. For example, "The school is allowing students to use their phones during lunch breaks."

What are some alternatives to "is allowing"?

You can use alternatives like "is permitting", "is enabling", or "is authorizing" depending on the context.

Is "is allowing" grammatically correct?

Yes, "is allowing" is grammatically correct when used with a singular subject. For a plural subject, use "are allowing".

What's the difference between "is allowing" and "is enabling"?

"Is allowing" typically implies permission, while "is enabling" suggests providing the means or opportunity for something to happen. The phrases are similar but highlight different aspects of facilitation.