it will allow for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it will allow for" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing the potential or capability of something to enable or facilitate a particular outcome or action. Example: "The new software update will allow for improved performance and faster processing times."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

If anything, it will allow for greater integration of the two entities and our cultures.

The New York Times

It will allow for more staff members per patient and better security, state officials said.

The New York Times

"I think it will allow for more generous watching," she says.

The Guardian

It will allow for four weeks of further negotiations before the BMA can commence any further industrial action.

Independent

"It will allow for a much greater variety of choice, and also allow small companies to find niche audiences," says Mr Teller.

The Economist

It will allow for automatic over-the-air updates whenever an owner's car is within range of the driver's home network.

The New York Times

Lifting this embargo is crucial to resolving the refugee crisis, as it will allow for medical supplies and the reconstruction of homes and communities.

Independent

"It will allow for a lot more collaboration in learning, through Intranet activities and through the Internet, not only locally but around the world," she said.

The New York Times

It will allow for electronic tax payment, birth and death registrations, the filing of citizen grievances, the public tracking of small infrastructure projects, and more.

The New York Times

This is opening a Pandora's box, as it will allow for many principals to get rid of people because of favoritism and differences in pedagogical methodology.

The New York Times

Peter Gelb, too, is facing a test: the current Met season is the first that he has planned himself, and it will allow for a thorough assessment of his progress as general manager.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "it will allow for", ensure that the subject clearly identifies what 'it' refers to. This avoids ambiguity and strengthens the sentence's clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "it will allow for" in constructions that lead to passive voice. Instead, restructure the sentence to emphasize the active agent enabling the action.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it will allow for" functions as a connector, indicating purpose or consequence. As confirmed by Ludwig, it sets the stage for describing the potential outcome or advantage resulting from a specific action or condition. It introduces the reason or the benefit that something offers.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Science

41%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Wiki

7%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "it will allow for" is a versatile and grammatically sound construction used to indicate the potential or capability of something to enable a particular outcome. According to Ludwig, the phrase is frequently found in news, science, and business contexts, signifying a neutral to formal register. While effective, writers should be mindful of passive voice and ensure clear subject-verb relationships. For more formal writing, consider alternatives such as "it will facilitate" or "it will enable". Overall, understanding its function and potential alternatives enhances clarity and precision in writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it will facilitate

Emphasizes making something easier; focuses on ease of action.

it will enable

Highlights the capacity or possibility created.

it will permit

Focuses on granting permission or authorization.

it will make possible

Stresses the creation of possibility.

it will pave the way for

Suggests preparation or setting the stage for something.

it will give rise to

Highlights the act of originating or initiating something.

it will contribute to

Focuses on the contributing factor.

it will lead to

Highlights the consequential outcome.

it will create opportunities for

Emphasizes generating openings or chances.

it will open the door to

Suggests creating an initial opportunity or access.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "it will allow for" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, consider using phrases like "it will facilitate", "it will enable", or "it will permit". These alternatives maintain the meaning while conveying a more professional style.

What's the difference between "it will allow for" and "it will enable"?

While both phrases are similar, "it will enable" emphasizes the creation of capacity or possibility, whereas "it will allow for" focuses on granting permission or creating conditions for something to happen. In many contexts, they are interchangeable, but nuanced differences exist.

Is "it will allow for" appropriate for academic writing?

Yes, "it will allow for" is acceptable in academic writing, as demonstrated by examples in scientific journals. However, ensure it fits the overall tone and clarity of your writing. Consider "it will facilitate" or "it will enable" for a slightly more formal option.

Can I use "it will allow for" in spoken English?

Yes, "it will allow for" is perfectly suitable for spoken English. It is a common and easily understood phrase. In more casual conversation, you might shorten it to "it'll allow for".