allow
HighNeutral (used across formal, informal, spoken and written contexts)
Definition
Meaning
To give permission for something to happen or to let someone do something.
To make it possible for something to happen; to allocate or set aside (time, money, etc.); to accept or concede that something is true or valid.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Often implies a degree of authority or control by the person who allows. Can also denote making provision for something (e.g., 'allow for delays').
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in core meaning or usage. Minor variations in typical phrasing (e.g., 'allow for' vs. 'account for' in certain contexts).
Connotations
Neutral in both varieties.
Frequency
Equally common and high-frequency in both BrE and AmE.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
allow + objectallow + object + to-infinitiveallow + for + noun phraseallow + that-clauseVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Allow me!”
- “Allow for (something)”
- “Allow nature to take its course”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Used in policies, contracts, and negotiations (e.g., 'The budget allows for contingencies.').
Academic
Used to concede a point or discuss parameters (e.g., 'The model allows us to predict outcomes.').
Everyday
Common in requests and permissions (e.g., 'Are you allowed to go out tonight?').
Technical
Used in computing, law, and engineering to describe system permissions or tolerances.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The headteacher will allow a non-uniform day for charity.
- You must allow the paint to dry completely.
- The data allows for several interpretations.
American English
- The principal will allow a free dress day for the fundraiser.
- You have to allow the paint to dry thoroughly.
- The data allows for multiple interpretations.
adverb
British English
- N/A (No standard adverb form. 'Allowably' is rare and formal.)
American English
- N/A (No standard adverb form. 'Allowably' is rare and formal.)
adjective
British English
- N/A (No standard adjective form. 'Allowable' is a related adjective.)
American English
- N/A (No standard adjective form. 'Allowable' is a related adjective.)
Examples
By CEFR Level
- My parents allow me to watch TV after dinner.
- Does your ticket allow you to travel on the bus?
- The software allows users to edit photos easily.
- We need to allow extra time for traffic.
- The contract allows for a 30-day termination period.
- He reluctantly allowed that my argument had some merit.
- The constitution allows for the peaceful transfer of power.
- The theory allows of no exceptions, which is its major weakness.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a parent saying 'A loud YES, I ALLOW it!' The 'a' in 'allow' sounds like the 'a' in 'a loud permission'.
Conceptual Metaphor
PERMISSION IS AN OPEN DOOR / REMOVING A BARRIER.
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid confusing with 'allow of' (archaic) vs. 'allow for'.
- Do not directly translate Russian constructions like 'разрешать себе' as 'allow yourself' without checking context.
- Be careful with 'let' vs. 'allow' – 'let' is more informal and doesn't use 'to' (let me go vs. allow me to go).
Common Mistakes
- Incorrect: 'He allowed that I leave.' Correct: 'He allowed me to leave.'
- Incorrect: 'The rules don't allow you smoke here.' Correct: 'The rules don't allow you to smoke here.' or '...allow smoking here.'
- Confusing 'allow' with 'enable' or 'make possible'.
Practice
Quiz
Which sentence uses 'allow' correctly?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
'Allow' is more common in everyday speech and suggests a lack of prevention. 'Permit' is slightly more formal and often implies official authorization or a rule-based consent.
Yes, but it's less common. For example: 'Smoking is not allowed.' Here, the object ('smoking') is the subject of the passive sentence.
It means to take something into consideration, to make a plan or calculation that includes it. E.g., 'We must allow for bad weather.'
It is archaic and very formal/literary. It means 'admit of' or 'leave room for'. In modern English, 'allow for' or 'admit' are preferred. E.g., 'The evidence allows of only one conclusion.'