so as to allow for

USAGE SUMMARY

'so as to allow for' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you are explaining why something is done in order to make room for something else. For example, "The store increased their opening hours so as to allow for more customers".

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

They appointed an expert panel to revise the constitution so as to allow for fairer presidential elections in six months' time.

The Economist

And this is where human psychology will have to be mastered so as to allow for much more than interplanetary travel.

The Economist

But by virtue of our positions in life — and in accordance with the Tenement House Act of 1901, which regulates the minimum amount of space required between buildings so as to allow for enough light and air for the pathogens to blow in and out on the breeze, and not to cause a human being to go mad — we are twins.

The New York Times

This is not to say that any of us was obdurate or inflexible about our inclinations, but rather that it was good for all three of us to know what our inclinations were, so as to allow for them, in ourselves and one another, as we continued to talk and talk and talk about the books.

The New Yorker

"The safeguards mechanism is designed to have its real impact in the post-2020 period … it is designed and legislated so as it can be adjusted and it can be tightened in such a way so as to allow for progressive emissions reductions.

The Guardian

In an interview last week he said "the safeguards mechanism is designed to have its real impact in the post-2020 period – and it's flexible, it is designed and legislated so as it can be adjusted and it can be tightened in such a way so as to allow for progressive emissions reductions.

The Guardian

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

International Journal of Greenhouse Gas Control

This is due to (1) subjective manual annotations and (2) so as to allow for a few frame minor deviations.

EURASIP Journal on Image and Video Processing

The ideas are illustrated on two strength of material problems; simple examples are chosen so as to allow for clearer illustration of ideas.

Fuzzy Sets and Systems

The models are presented separately for each sex, for each characteristic, so as to allow for a more direct comparison of the effects of familial and individual traits.

The Journal of Chinese Sociology

Within the Triple Helix model, it is necessary for the university to have direct established linkages with industry so as to allow for maximum industrialization of knowledge.

Triple Helix

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider if a more concise alternative, like "to enable", would improve the flow and readability of your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "so as to allow for" in simple sentences where a more direct construction would suffice. Overusing it can make your writing sound unnecessarily formal or convoluted.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "so as to allow for" functions as an adverbial phrase of purpose. It modifies a verb by indicating the reason or intention behind the action. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and used to explain why something is done, making room for something else.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

58%

News & Media

25%

Formal & Business

17%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "so as to allow for" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase that functions as an adverbial phrase of purpose. It's commonly found in formal and scientific writing to express intention and justification. Ludwig AI validates its correctness and its function to explain reasons behind actions to make room for other elements. While widely accepted, it's essential to consider context and choose the most appropriate wording. For simple sentences, more concise alternatives such as "to enable" or "to permit" might be preferable. By understanding its function and considering suitable alternatives, writers can effectively use "so as to allow for" to enhance clarity and precision in their writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in order to permit

Replaces "so as to allow for" with a more direct expression of purpose using "permit".

to enable

A shorter and more concise way of expressing the same intention.

with the aim of facilitating

This alternative is more formal and emphasizes the facilitation aspect.

for the purpose of accommodating

Highlights the intent to accommodate something specific.

to make provision for

Focuses on making arrangements or preparations.

in anticipation of

Emphasizes preparation for a future event or possibility.

to provide the possibility of

Highlights the provision of a chance or opportunity.

with a view to enabling

More formal and focuses on the long-term vision of enabling something.

so that it can accommodate

Rephrases to include a subject and verb, clarifying the agent.

to leave room for

Emphasizes creating space or opportunity.

FAQs

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

"So as to allow for" is used to express purpose, explaining why something is done. For example, "The company extended the deadline "so as to allow for" more submissions".

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

Alternatives include phrases like "in order to permit", "to enable", or "with the aim of facilitating". The best choice depends on the specific context and desired level of formality. For instance, consider "to enable".

Is "so as to allow for" formal or informal?

"So as to allow for" is generally considered a more formal expression. In less formal contexts, simpler alternatives such as "to enable" or "to permit" may be more appropriate.

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

Both "so as to allow for" and "in order to" express purpose, but "so as to allow for" specifically emphasizes enabling or making room for something. "In order to" is more general. For example, "The design was modified "so as to allow for" better airflow" highlights the specific benefit of the modification, but it could be replaced with "in order to" depending on the context.