to allow time for

USAGE SUMMARY

"to allow time for" is a perfectly correct phrase that can be used in written English.
You can use it whenever you need to indicate that you are giving yourself or someone else space to do something. For example: "I will need to allow time for my presentation to get all the details right."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Perhaps the reports could be emailed in advance to allow time for more discussion.

The Guardian

Two of next week's performances were canceled to allow time for rehearsal.

The New York Times

This is to allow time for appeal, which happened in the case of Virgin.

The Guardian

The board wants to allow time for continuing South Korean and Russian mediation efforts.

The New York Times

The ban on trucks is to allow time for improvements in the tunnel's ventilation system.

The New York Times

That would have needed to occur by about Memorial Day to allow time for regulatory scrutiny.

The New York Times

Russia and China want the current system extended, to allow time for more discussion.

The Economist

You've got to allow time for people to feel the pain of getting something wrong.

The New York Times

You may need to allow time for a late-afternoon snack.

The Economist

But they also may be sufficiently far ahead of the election to allow time for the predictable finger-pointing.

The New York Times

Unfortunately, the play has too much information to impart to allow time for nuanced drama to emerge (1 30).

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When planning projects, always use the phrase "to allow time for" to explicitly acknowledge the need for adequate duration of each step to mitigate unexpected delays.

Common error

Avoid assuming tasks will always be completed in the minimum estimated time. Factor in potential delays or unforeseen issues by proactively using "to allow time for" buffer periods.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to allow time for" functions as an infinitive of purpose, indicating the reason why an action is being taken. As Ludwig AI confirms, it indicates giving oneself or someone else space to do something. It explains the rationale behind a decision or action, as exemplified in the provided sentences.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Science

39%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Reference

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "to allow time for" is a versatile and grammatically sound phrase used to denote the purpose of allocating a specific duration for an activity. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in written English. It is most commonly found in News & Media and Science contexts, and maintains a neutral register suitable for diverse communications. When using this phrase, consider potential alternatives like "to make provision for" or "to set aside time for" to tailor your writing precisely.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to schedule time for

Indicates incorporating the activity into a structured timetable or agenda.

to set aside time for

Highlights the act of intentionally designating specific periods for activities.

to earmark time for

Similar to setting aside, but implies a more formal or dedicated allocation.

to reserve a period for

Focuses on keeping a block of time available for a specific purpose.

to make provision for

Emphasizes a proactive approach in preparing for something that requires time.

to free up time for

Highlights the process of making time available by removing other commitments.

to give leeway for

Suggests offering flexibility or a buffer in scheduling or planning.

to budget time for

Implies careful planning and management of time as a valuable asset.

to create space for

Focuses on opening up opportunities or resources within a given period.

to allocate resources for

Shifts the focus to resources, encompassing time as one of the resources.

FAQs

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

Use "to allow time for" to introduce the reason for setting aside a specific duration, like: "The meeting was extended "to allow time for" a thorough discussion of all agenda items."

What are some alternatives to the phrase "to allow time for"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases such as "to make provision for", "to set aside time for", or "to create space for".

Is it grammatically correct to start a sentence with "To allow time for"?

While it's more common to find "to allow time for" in the middle of a sentence, starting a sentence with the infinitive phrase is grammatically correct, especially for emphasis: "To allow time for proper curing, the concrete should be left undisturbed for 72 hours."

What's the difference between "to allow time for" and "to make time for"?

"To allow time for" suggests setting aside or providing enough duration for something to happen, while "to make time for" indicates prioritizing an activity within an existing schedule, even if it requires rearranging other commitments.