to make allowance for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "to make allowance for" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used when discussing the need to consider or accommodate certain factors or circumstances in a situation. Example: "When planning the budget, we need to make allowance for unexpected expenses that may arise."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

14 human-written examples

One has to make allowance for pique.

The Guardian - Books

Disliking the Anglicized system of government there, he sought to preserve the good in Maratha institutions and to make allowance for Maratha sentiment.

Encyclopedia Britannica

"If women take time off and do come back into the profession, I think you have to make allowance for that at the level of QC appointments and judicial appointments".

The Guardian

See articleTown planningHillary Clinton, America's secretary of state, called on Israel to stop all settlement activity in the occupied West Bank, rejecting Israel's pleas to make allowance for the settlements' "natural growth".Hundreds of supporters of the new South African president, Jacob Zuma, protested in Cape Town against Helen Zille, who leads the opposition Democratic Alliance.

The Economist

There's naturally going to be some flexibility because we're all different and have to make allowance for these differences.

Huffington Post

The bullfrog is able to make allowance for light refraction at the water-air interface by striking at a position posterior to the target's perceived location.

Wikipedia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

45 human-written examples

And you have to make allowances for the antiquated technology.

The New York Times - Arts

But we have to make allowances for the hard of hearing.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

How inconsiderate of him, Frank, not to make allowances for a slowcoach.

The Guardian - Sport

We prepared to make allowances for first-night nerves, dropped vegetables, and outbreaks of temper, but none was forthcoming.

Independent

You don't have to make allowances for any sort of casual racism in them; there is none.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "to make allowance for", ensure the context clearly indicates what factors or circumstances are being considered. This adds clarity and avoids ambiguity in your writing.

Common error

While grammatically correct, "to make allowance for" can sound overly formal in casual conversation. Opt for simpler alternatives like "consider" or "take into account" in informal settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to make allowance for" functions as a verb phrase, typically used to indicate that someone is considering or accommodating certain factors, conditions, or circumstances. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Science

30%

Encyclopedias

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Wiki

10%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "to make allowance for" is a versatile phrase used to express the act of considering or accommodating specific factors or circumstances. As Ludwig AI points out, the phrase is appropriate for written English, typically appearing in news, science, and encyclopedia contexts. While grammatically correct, it might sound overly formal in informal conversations. Consider alternative phrases like "to take into consideration" or "to account for" in those settings. Remember to clearly indicate what factors are being considered for clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to take into consideration

Replaces "make allowance for" with a focus on the act of considering something.

to account for

A more concise way to express the inclusion of something in a calculation or plan.

to factor in

Similar to "account for", but emphasizes the inclusion of something as a factor.

to give consideration to

More formal and emphasizes the act of giving thought to something.

to bear in mind

Focuses on remembering or being aware of something.

to keep in view

Similar to "bear in mind", highlighting the importance of not forgetting something.

to take cognizance of

A formal way of saying to take notice or be aware of something.

to provide for

Focuses on making provisions or preparing for something.

to make special provision for

Highlights the act of making explicit arrangement for somebody/something in specific cases.

to make exceptions for

Focuses on creating an exception for a rule in specific cases.

FAQs

How can I use "to make allowance for" in a sentence?

You can use "to make allowance for" to indicate that you are considering certain factors or circumstances. For example, "When planning the project, we need to make allowance for potential delays".

What are some alternatives to "to make allowance for"?

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

Is it better to say "to make allowance for" or "to make allowances for"?

Both "to make allowance for" and "to make allowances for" are acceptable, but the plural form is more common, emphasizing that multiple factors are being considered.

What's the difference between "to make allowance for" and "to make exceptions for"?

"To make allowance for" implies considering or accommodating certain factors, while "to make exceptions for" focuses on creating an exception to a rule or standard.