to allow this

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "to allow this" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing permission or the act of permitting something to happen. Example: "We need to establish a clear policy to allow this type of behavior in the workplace."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The father flatly refuses to allow this.

The New Yorker

We refuse to allow this future to unfold".

The Guardian

As president, I refuse to allow this problem to fester.

The Guardian

But New York has yet to allow this.

The New York Times

The planet is too small to allow this.

The Guardian

What I missed, to allow this to happen".

The New York Times

I'm not going to allow this to stop me".

The New York Times

There are good reasons to allow this to happen.

The Guardian

"We're not prepared to allow this to go on".

The New York Times - Sports

"And let us tell many stories, in order to allow this cheesecake sufficient time to defrost".

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"We are wasting so many promising young lives by continuing to allow this to happen".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When aiming for a formal tone, consider using "to permit this" as a more elevated alternative to "to allow this".

Common error

Avoid using "to allow this" excessively in casual conversations or informal writing, as it can sound overly formal. Opt for simpler alternatives like "to let this happen" or rephrase the sentence for a more natural flow.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to allow this" functions as an infinitive phrase that typically introduces a clause expressing purpose or consequence. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is grammatically correct and widely used, indicating its acceptance in standard English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

47%

Science

27%

Formal & Business

13%

Less common in

Wiki

7%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "to allow this" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression that indicates permission or enablement. As Ludwig AI highlights, it's considered correct and adaptable across different registers, from formal business writing to general news reporting. While highly versatile, it is important to ensure that the context is appropriate and not overly informal, where simpler alternatives might be more fitting. Its widespread use in authoritative sources such as The Guardian and The New York Times reinforces its credibility and acceptability in both written and spoken English.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to permit this

This alternative is a more formal synonym, emphasizing official authorization.

to enable this

This alternative focuses on providing the means or opportunity for something to happen.

in order to allow this

This alternative explicitly states the purpose or intention behind allowing something.

so as to allow this

Similar to "in order to allow this", this phrase emphasizes the goal or aim.

to let this happen

This alternative is less formal and more direct, suggesting a passive acceptance.

to authorize this

This implies a formal or legal approval.

to consent to this

This indicates agreement or permission, often in a legal or official context.

to approve this

This suggests a favorable judgment or endorsement.

to make this possible

This focuses on creating the conditions necessary for something to occur.

to facilitate this

This suggests making something easier or more likely to happen.

FAQs

What can I say instead of "to allow this"?

You can use alternatives like "to permit this", "to enable this", or "to let this happen" depending on the context.

How to use "to allow this" in a sentence?

Use "to allow this" when you want to express that something is being permitted or enabled. For example: "We need more funding "to allow this" research to continue."

Which is correct, "to allow this" or "in order to allow this"?

"To allow this" is a concise way to express permission. "In order "to allow this"" adds emphasis on purpose or intention.

What's the difference between "to allow this" and "to enable this"?

"To allow this" implies giving permission, while "to enable this" suggests providing the means or opportunity for something to happen. They are similar but have slightly different connotations.