to allow for

USAGE SUMMARY

"to allow for" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe allowing someone or something to do something, or to make room for something. For example: We need to allow for extra time when making the trip to avoid any delays.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

A beat to allow for recognition.

The New York Times - Arts

Section 107 seems to allow for appropriation.

The Guardian - Tech

"So we had to allow for hesitation".

The New York Times - Sports

To allow for fair competition, of course!

The Guardian

It's important to allow for uncertainty.

Harvard Business Review

We have to adjust the system to allow for that.

The Guardian

The idea seems to allow for very small investments".

The New York Times

The plant recently expanded, too, to allow for longer aging.

The New York Times

"That is something that our society refuses to allow for.

The New Yorker

"I just want to allow for exceptions to the rule".

The New York Times

Buying extra wallpaper to allow for torn pieces.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When planning, use "to allow for" to proactively address potential challenges or unexpected events, ensuring your plans remain adaptable and resilient.

Common error

Avoid using "to allow for" as a mere afterthought. Integrate potential variables from the initial planning stage to make the phrase more meaningful and impactful.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to allow for" functions as an infinitive phrase indicating purpose. Ludwig shows its use in various contexts, emphasizing the reason or intent behind an action, preparation, or calculation.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

35%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "to allow for" is a common and versatile construction used to indicate the act of anticipating and preparing for potential future events or circumstances. As Ludwig AI explains, it's grammatically correct and widely used. The phrase is frequently found in news, scientific, and business contexts, demonstrating its relevance across various domains. While alternatives like "to take into account" or "to make provision for" exist, "to allow for" maintains its unique emphasis on proactive anticipation. Remember to integrate the variables you are considering to make your writing more meaningful and to avoid using the phrase as a mere afterthought.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to make provision for

Focuses on the act of planning and preparing for something in advance, often with a formal or official connotation.

to take into account

Emphasizes the consideration of certain factors or circumstances when making a decision or calculation.

to make allowance for

Highlights the act of permitting or tolerating something, often with the understanding that it may not be ideal.

to factor in

Implies incorporating something as a significant element in a calculation or plan.

to consider

Suggests a more general evaluation or contemplation of something, without necessarily implying a direct impact.

to anticipate

Highlights predicting something beforehand and adjusting plans accordingly.

to prepare for

Focuses on getting ready for a future event or situation.

to make room for

Emphasizes creating physical or metaphorical space for something.

to accommodate

Stresses the idea of adjusting to fit something in or to satisfy needs.

to budget for

Implies allocating resources or funds for a specific purpose or contingency.

FAQs

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

You can use "to allow for" to indicate the need to consider or include something in planning or calculations. For example, "We need "to allow for" potential delays due to traffic".

What are some alternatives to "to allow for"?

Alternatives include "to take into account", "to make provision for", or "to factor in", depending on the specific context.

Is there a difference between "to allow for" and "to account for"?

"To allow for" suggests making room or preparing for something, while "to account for" implies explaining or justifying something. While similar, they have distinct nuances.

When is it appropriate to use "to allow for" in formal writing?

It is appropriate in formal writing when discussing planning, budgeting, or risk management. It demonstrates foresight and thoroughness. For instance, "The budget was adjusted "to allow for" unforeseen expenses".