to allow oneself

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "to allow oneself" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the act of giving oneself permission to do something or to experience a particular feeling or action. Example: "Sometimes, it's important to allow oneself to feel vulnerable in order to grow emotionally."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

12 human-written examples

Perhaps one just tries to enjoy a few of life's good things, to allow oneself some small indulgences: bath salts, nice ties, good shoes.

The New Yorker

It takes bravery to do that kind of close looking, just as it does to allow oneself to be looked at.

The New Yorker

But the real issue, I suspect, is that to consent to an interview is to allow oneself to be framed and interpreted, to have your utterances snipped up and shunted around the page.

The Guardian - Music

AMY DAVIDSON: The key thing, I think, is to allow oneself to be surprised even by the small stories, even ones that fit well with what one already knew (or thought one knew).

The New Yorker

Others, such as Junot Díaz and Jay McInerney, have said the opposite: that accepting the imperfection of the first draft, learning to allow oneself to write without interference from the inner editor, is what frees a writer to work.

The New Yorker

She adds that this is "an important part of life, to allow oneself to embrace one's future without constant self-judgement, and that's something that never happened for Blanche".

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

48 human-written examples

This, coupled with the words of Jesus above, shows us that Jesus is not just making a blanket statement when he says "give to Caesar what belongs to Caesar" and allow oneself to be extorted.

Huffington Post

As an audience member, the wisest course of action was to abandon all reservations and allow oneself to be seduced.

The New York Times - Arts

When one deals with illness and disease, generally it relates to negative emotions and ways of being, one must allow oneself to flow in another direction to release the illness or disease.

WikiHow

The best way to see "Le Corsaire," which Ballet Theater will perform again tonight and tomorrow night, is to go with the flow and not allow oneself to get lost in the crowds of fierce pirates and nubile slave women and other local color at the Turkish bazaar and gardens and pirate cave where much of the action takes place.

The New York Times - Arts

As discussed in numerous texts by ancient philosophers, in classical Greece wine was used to 'receive' the spirit of the God of Wine, Dionysus, and allow oneself to be temporarily possessed; today Greeks are perhaps wishing to never awaken from such a state.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "to allow oneself", consider the context to ensure it appropriately conveys the sense of self-permission or enabling. Be mindful of the nuance you want to convey, as it can range from simple permission to active empowerment.

Common error

Avoid using "to allow oneself" excessively in passive constructions where a more direct and active voice would be clearer and more impactful. For example, instead of "One must allow oneself to be challenged", consider "One must seek challenges".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to allow oneself" functions as an infinitive phrase. It typically serves as a verb complement, expressing the act of granting permission or enabling a particular action, feeling, or experience for oneself. As Ludwig AI states, the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Academia

30%

Science

20%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "to allow oneself" is a grammatically sound and versatile expression used to convey the act of granting oneself permission or enabling a specific action or state. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is correct and usable in various contexts. While primarily found in news, academic, and scientific sources, its neutral register makes it accessible for diverse writing styles. When using this phrase, it's crucial to consider the context and ensure it appropriately conveys the intended nuance, ranging from simple permission to active empowerment. Be mindful of potential overuse in passive constructions, opting for a more direct and active voice when appropriate. Alternatives such as "to permit oneself" or "to let oneself" can offer subtle variations in meaning and formality.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to permit oneself

Replaces "allow" with "permit", a slightly more formal synonym, while keeping the core meaning unchanged.

to let oneself

Uses "let" as a more informal substitute for "allow", maintaining the sense of granting permission.

to give oneself permission

Emphasizes the act of granting permission, making the phrase more explicit and potentially more emphatic.

to afford oneself the opportunity

Highlights the provision of an opportunity, adding a sense of value or benefit.

to enable oneself

Focuses on providing the means or ability, suggesting a more active role in facilitating an action or state.

to empower oneself

Implies a sense of agency and self-determination, suggesting that allowing oneself leads to increased personal power.

to indulge oneself

Suggests granting oneself a pleasure or luxury, often implying a deviation from normal constraints.

to treat oneself

Similar to "indulge oneself", but generally implies a more moderate or justifiable act of self-reward.

to authorize oneself

Presents a formal or official tone, suggesting that one has the power to approve something for themselves.

to sanction oneself

Implicates an approval usually given by an authority figure to oneself.

FAQs

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

You can use "to allow oneself" to express granting permission to experience something or perform an action. For example, "It's important "to allow oneself to rest" when feeling overwhelmed".

What are some alternatives to "to allow oneself"?

Alternatives include "to permit oneself", "to let oneself", or "to give oneself permission". The best choice depends on the specific context and desired level of formality.

Is it ever incorrect to use "to allow oneself"?

While grammatically correct, overuse of "to allow oneself" in passive constructions can make writing sound indirect or weak. In such cases, consider using a more active voice for clarity and impact.

What's the difference between "to allow oneself" and "to force oneself"?

"To allow oneself" implies granting permission or enabling a certain action or feeling, while "to force oneself" suggests compelling oneself to do something against one's will or inclination. They are antonyms.