so as to allow

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "so as to allow" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate the purpose of an action, specifically to express that something is done in order to enable or permit another action. Example: "The new policy was implemented so as to allow for greater flexibility in work hours."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The Hatch act would be liberalized so as to allow increased participation in campaigns by pub.

The New York Times - Magazine

It's imperfect, yes, but necessary, too: a way of reckoning with the past so as to allow yourself a future.

The New York Times - Arts

For some time his religious policy was devised so as to allow the coexistence of both religions.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The Nations in Transit report keeps indicators consistent each year, so as to allow comparisons from year to year.

The Guardian

How should the information be represented so as to allow efficient use and re-use?

Behavioural Processes

A high-flow air-sampler device was selected so as to allow peak concentration measurement.

International Journal of Hygiene and Environmental Health

Were the applied approaches detailed so as to allow them to be replicated?

Journal of the Brazilian Computer Society

This article presents a novel architecture developed so as to allow the automatic update and configuration of residential gateways.

Computer Networks

The European territory is discretised so as to allow for a spatially explicit definition of large emission clusters.

International Journal of Greenhouse Gas Control

Accurate coupled vibro-acoustic FE models of such cavities are required so as to allow a reliable design and analysis.

Mechanical Systems and Signal Processing

These must be sculpted properly so as to allow them to be sutured together under mild tension.

Strategies in Trauma and Limb Reconstruction

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "so as to allow" when you want to clearly state the purpose or intention behind an action, ensuring that the reason for the action is easily understood by the reader. For instance, "The parameters were set carefully, "so as to allow" for accurate comparisons between different datasets."

Common error

Avoid using "so as to allow" when a simpler phrasing like "to allow" is sufficient. Overusing the longer phrase can make your writing sound unnecessarily verbose. For instance, instead of saying "The system was designed "so as to allow" users to easily navigate the interface", you can say "The system was designed to allow users to easily navigate the interface".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "so as to allow" functions as a purpose clause connector, indicating the reason or intention behind an action. As Ludwig AI explains, it serves to introduce a clause that specifies what something is done to enable or permit another action. The phrase adds clarity to the cause-and-effect relationship within a sentence.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

64%

News & Media

14%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

4%

Formal & Business

2%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "so as to allow" is a grammatically sound phrase used to express purpose or intention. According to Ludwig AI, it is correct and usable in written English, serving to clarify the motivation behind an action. With a "Very common" frequency, it's found often in Science, News & Media and encyclopedic contexts and is considered formal in register. While alternatives such as "in order to enable" or "to permit" exist, using "so as to allow" precisely conveys the cause-and-effect relationship within a sentence. Remember to avoid redundancy by considering if a simpler phrasing like "to allow" would suffice in the context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in order to permit

Replaces "so as" with "in order", changing the introductory phrase while maintaining the same meaning of enabling something.

in order to enable

Similar to 'in order to permit', this alternative emphasizes enabling or making possible, rather than simply allowing.

to facilitate

Condenses the phrase to a single verb, focusing on making an action or process easier.

to permit

A more direct and concise alternative, omitting "so as" for simplicity.

to enable

Functions identically to 'to permit', but with a slightly different nuance, emphasizing empowerment.

with the aim of allowing

Emphasizes the intentionality behind the action, highlighting the desired outcome.

for the purpose of allowing

Similar to "with the aim of allowing", this phrase clearly indicates the reason for taking an action.

to make it possible to

Shifts the structure to focus on creating possibility.

in such a way as to allow

Adds detail to HOW the effect is accomplished.

so that it allows

This option is suitable when aiming for less formal language.

FAQs

How can I use "so as to allow" in a sentence?

Use "so as to allow" to express the purpose or intention behind an action. For example, "The regulations were revised "so as to allow" for more flexibility in project timelines."

What are some alternatives to "so as to allow"?

Alternatives include "in order to permit", "in order to enable", or simply "to permit" depending on the context.

Is "so as to allow" formal or informal?

"So as to allow" is generally considered more formal. In less formal contexts, you might prefer using alternatives like "to let" or "to enable".

When should I use "so as to allow" instead of "in order to allow"?

Both "so as to allow" and "in order to allow" are grammatically correct and express purpose. The choice between them often depends on stylistic preference, although "in order to allow" might be slightly more common in contemporary writing.