to make allowances for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "to make allowances 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: "We need to make allowances for the fact that some team members may have different working styles."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 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," he writes.

The New York Times - Books

'FAUST' Again, you have to make allowances for the pace of Jonas Kaufmann's recovery from surgery in September.

The New York Times - Arts

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

The New York Times - Books

Campaigners say the ruling highlights the duty of all employers to make allowances for staff with dyslexia.

The Guardian

Festival organisers, it seems, are happy to make allowances for Loach, who has long been a Cannes favourite.

The Guardian - Film

You have to make allowances for certain activities that are key to the industry, otherwise the farmer has no chance.

The New York Times

But many institutions have failed to make allowances for the soldiers' special circumstances or to promote themselves as veteran-friendly.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "to make allowances for", clearly state the factor or circumstance you are accommodating to avoid ambiguity. For example, "We need to to make allowances for potential delays due to weather."

Common error

Avoid using "to make allowances for" without specifying the context. Saying "We need to make allowances for issues" is vague. Instead, clarify: "We need to make allowances for technical glitches during the presentation."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to make allowances for" functions as a verb phrase, indicating the act of considering, accommodating, or making exceptions for specific factors or circumstances. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used. Examples show its use in various contexts, from technology to personal behavior.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Science

22%

Encyclopedias

2%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Wiki

2%

Academia

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "to make allowances for" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression that conveys the act of considering or accommodating specific factors. Ludwig AI confirms its widespread usage across varied contexts. While versatile, specifying the factor you're accounting for ensures clarity. Related phrases include "to take into consideration" (formal) and "to cut some slack" (informal). Remember, the key to effective usage is to be explicit about what you are making allowances for, enhancing the clarity and impact of your message.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to take into account

Similar to "to take into consideration" but slightly less formal.

to take into consideration

More formal and emphasizes a deliberate thought process.

to give leeway to

Implies providing some freedom or flexibility.

to be mindful of

Emphasizes being aware and attentive.

to make an exception for

Focuses on deviating from a rule or standard.

to show leniency towards

Suggests being more forgiving or understanding.

to be understanding of

Emphasizes empathy and comprehension.

to bear in mind

Highlights the importance of remembering something.

to keep in perspective

Focuses on maintaining a balanced view.

to cut some slack

More informal and suggests being less strict.

FAQs

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

You can use "to make allowances for" when you want to indicate that you are considering certain factors or circumstances. For example, "We have "to make allowances for" the antiquated technology".

What's a more formal way to say "to make allowances for"?

A more formal way to express the same idea is "to take into consideration". It implies a more deliberate and thoughtful assessment of the factors involved.

What can I say instead of "to make allowances for" in an informal setting?

In an informal setting, you could say "to cut some slack" or "to give leeway to". These phrases suggest being more forgiving or flexible.

Is it always necessary to explicitly state what you are making allowances for?

While not always required, it's best practice to specify what you are making allowances for to avoid ambiguity. For instance, instead of saying "We need "to make allowances for" potential problems", be specific: "We need "to make allowances for" budget constraints".