that allows for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "that allows for" is a perfectly correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is typically used when discussing the potential of something due to certain factors or circumstances. For example, you could say "This new policy allows for greater flexibility in the work day."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

Americans worry about a system that allows 4 million bad loans to affect 51 million good ones.

The New York Times

It was considered under a procedure that allows 40 minutes of debate and requires a two-thirds vote for passage.

The New York Times

Smaller staffs make delegation improbable, while the technology that allows 24-hour global communication and the instantaneous exchange of words, images and spreadsheets is widely available.

The New York Times

The Titans' problems: poor game plans, nonthreatening receivers, unreliable special teams and a pass defense that allows 8.1 yards per attempt.

The New York Times

It is also, as everybody knows by now, the structure that allows £5bn of revenue from UK advertisers to be booked in Ireland.

The Guardian - Business

It is on the House schedule for Tuesday under a procedure that allows 40 minutes of debate, forbids amendments and requires a two-thirds vote for passage.

The New York Times

Mr. Murphy, who said his shop tints about 1,200 vehicles a year, said he would support a limit of tint that allows 50 to 35percentt of visible light through.

The New York Times

The octothorpe is the essential symbol in the formation of a hashtag, a marker that allows 140-character tweets to be grouped together by subject (#boringtypographystories, for example).

The Guardian - Arts

Austria is the only other EU-member nation that allows 16-year-olds to vote.

BBC

A group of MIT students have built a scanning system that allows 3D printers to restart prints after a failure.

TechCrunch

We seek a generalized predictive model that allows CO2 saturation resulting from capillary flow to be estimated reasonably for 2D domains from fundamental geologic and fluid properties.

International Journal of Greenhouse Gas Control

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "that allows for", ensure the sentence clearly indicates what is being allowed or enabled, and what benefits or consequences arise from it. Clarity is key to effective communication.

Common error

Avoid using "that allows for" without clearly specifying what the antecedent is. For example, instead of saying "The system has a feature that allows for greater flexibility", specify what feature enables this flexibility: "The system's modular design allows for greater flexibility".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "that allows for" functions as a relative clause introducing a description of a capability or feature. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is used to describe how something facilitates or permits a certain outcome.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

Science

0%

News & Media

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "that allows for" introduces a clause describing capabilities. According to Ludwig AI, it is a grammatically correct and versatile phrase for explaining function. While the phrase itself maintains a neutral register suitable for various contexts, it's important to ensure surrounding sentences provide clarity. When unsure, alternatives such as "that permits" or "that enables" may provide a slightly more direct tone. Ensure clear specification to use "that allows for" effectively.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

that permits

Replaces "allows for" with "permits", indicating formal authorization or possibility. The meaning is nearly identical, focusing on granting permission or making something possible.

that enables

Substitutes "allows for" with "enables", highlighting the act of providing the means or opportunity for something to happen. It emphasizes empowerment and capability.

that facilitates

Changes "allows for" to "facilitates", which emphasizes making a process or action easier. This focuses on smoothing the way or removing obstacles.

that makes possible

Replaces "allows for" with a more descriptive phrase. This version directly states that something is made possible by a particular factor or condition.

that provides for

Swaps "allows for" to "provides for", indicating that something makes arrangements or prepares for a specific outcome or event. The nuance shifts to foresight and planning.

that creates opportunities for

Expands "allows for" to specifically mention creating opportunities. This emphasizes the potential benefits and possibilities arising from a situation.

that opens the door to

Uses a metaphorical expression instead of "allows for". This suggests that a new possibility or avenue is made available.

that clears the way for

Employs another metaphorical phrase, indicating that obstacles are removed. Focuses on preparation and obstacle removal.

that authorizes

Replaces the verb phrase with a more formal, direct verb. Emphasizes official permission or sanction.

that sanctions

A more formal synonym for "authorizes". Indicates official approval or endorsement, carrying a stronger tone of legitimacy.

FAQs

How can I use "that allows for" in a sentence?

Use "that allows for" to introduce a clause explaining how something facilitates or permits a certain outcome. For example, "The new software includes a feature "that allows for" easier data analysis".

What are some alternatives to using "that allows for"?

You can use alternatives such as "that permits", "that enables", or "that facilitates" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is there a difference between "that allows" and "that allows for"?

While both are correct, "that allows" is more direct, whereas ""that allows for"" often implies consideration of potential outcomes or accommodations. The choice depends on the desired emphasis.

When is it best to use "that allows for" over other similar phrases?

Use ""that allows for"" when you want to highlight the potential or flexibility something provides, especially in planning or design contexts. If you want to emphasize the pure action of enabling, it's better to use '"that enables"'.