seems to allow

USAGE SUMMARY

'seems to allow' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when you need to express that something appears to give permission for something else, such as a rule or law. For example: "The new policy seems to allow employees to work remotely."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Section 107 seems to allow for appropriation.

The Guardian - Tech

The idea seems to allow for very small investments".

The New York Times

On the contrary, it seems to allow it to flourish.

MIT Technology Review

By omission, the law seems to allow other tactics.

The New York Times

It seems to allow anatomical and biomechanical repair of the DRUJ.

Rehabilitación

If I'm honest about that, it seems to allow me to put that across believably".

Independent

The psychedelic experience seems to allow many subjects to reframe, and then break, a lifelong habit.

The New Yorker

It's not a stunt that seems to allow a large margin for error.

The New York Times

By its end, Jerusalem acquires an infernal gloom that seems to allow no light in.

The New Yorker

Genome-wide, higher accessibility of genes also seems to allow more antisense transcription.

Nature

Introducing new sources of energy seems to allow overall energy consumption to increase.

MIT Technology Review

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "seems to allow" when you want to express a tentative or provisional permission or possibility, rather than a definitive or absolute one. This phrasing is suitable for situations where the allowance is based on observation or interpretation, not explicit authorization.

Common error

Avoid using "seems to allow" when you need to convey a definite and confirmed permission. The phrase implies a degree of uncertainty, so use stronger verbs like "allows", "permits", or "authorizes" when certainty is required.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "seems to allow" functions as a modal verb phrase expressing a tentative permission or possibility. Ludwig AI confirms its valid use in indicating that something appears to permit a certain action or outcome, without necessarily implying absolute certainty. Examples show its usage across varied contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

40%

News & Media

35%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "seems to allow" is a versatile phrase used to express tentative permission or possibility. As Ludwig AI validates, this phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used across diverse fields, including science, news, and academia. Its neutral register makes it suitable for various writing styles, and its usage implies a degree of uncertainty or observation. When using this phrase, ensure it aligns with the intended level of certainty and context, as alternatives like "allows" or "permits" may be more appropriate for definitive statements.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

appears to permit

This alternative replaces "seems" with "appears" and "allow" with "permit", maintaining a similar meaning of possibility or permission.

enables the possibility of

This alternative highlights the enablement aspect, focusing on making something possible.

suggests the possibility of

This phrase shifts the focus to suggestion rather than direct allowance, implying a potential outcome or action.

indicates that it is permissible

This alternative provides a more formal and explicit expression of permissibility.

gives the impression of permitting

This option emphasizes the subjective impression of permission rather than a definitive allowance.

can be interpreted as allowing

This emphasizes the interpretation of permission, making it dependent on perspective.

creates an opportunity for

This phrase focuses on the creation of an opportunity rather than direct permission, implying enablement.

might be construed to permit

This alternative introduces a degree of uncertainty and interpretation, indicating a potential but not definite allowance.

lends itself to

This phrase implies a natural tendency or suitability, suggesting that something is easily accommodated.

could be understood as enabling

This option focuses on the potential understanding or interpretation of enablement.

FAQs

How can I use "seems to allow" in a sentence?

Use "seems to allow" when you want to express that something appears to permit or enable a certain action or outcome based on available information or observation. For example: "The updated policy "seems to allow" employees more flexibility in their work hours."

What are some alternatives to "seems to allow"?

You can use alternatives like "appears to permit", "suggests the possibility of", or "enables the possibility of" depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "seems to allow" or "allows"?

The choice depends on the context. "Allows" indicates a definite permission or capability, while ""seems to allow"" suggests a more tentative or observational assessment. Use "allows" when permission is explicitly granted or definitively known.

What's the difference between "seems to allow" and "appears to allow"?

The difference is subtle. Both convey a sense of observation or impression. "Seems to allow" suggests something is likely based on available evidence, while "appears to allow" focuses more on the visual or outward impression. They are largely interchangeable.