- Have you ever wondered why “allow for” and “allow” mean two completely different things?
- Do you feel unsure whether to use “to” or “ing” after the word “allow”?
- Are you looking for more professional ways to grant permission in business emails?
Mastering allow collocations is a vital step toward sounding like a native speaker. In English, “allow” isn’t just about giving permission; it’s a versatile verb used to describe possibilities, technical access, and logical planning. Understanding which words naturally sit next to “allow” will help you avoid “translation fatigue” and build sentences that flow effortlessly.
Common Collocations with ALLOW as a Verb
In modern English, “allow” functions almost exclusively as a verb. To use it correctly, you must understand its relationship with objects and prepositions.
1. Giving Permission and Personal Agency
This is the most common use of the word, often following the pattern: allow + person + to + verb.
- Allow someone to (do something): The teacher allowed the students to use their notes during the quiz.
- Allow yourself to: You need to allow yourself to rest after such a long week.
- Strictly allowed: Smoking is not strictly allowed anywhere on the campus grounds.
2. Providing Access or Opportunity
In technical and professional contexts, “allow” describes enabling a function or granting entry.
- Allow access: The new security badge allows access to the laboratory.
- Allow entry: The guard refused to allow entry to anyone without an invitation.
- Allow for the possibility: We must allow for the possibility that the flight might be delayed.
3. Planning and Phrasal Usage
The phrasal verb “allow for” is essential for project management and logic.
- Allow for (something): When calculating the budget, make sure to allow for inflation.
- Allow for extra time: Always allow for extra time when traveling to the airport during rush hour.
The Master Summary Table
| Collocation | Part of Speech | Quick Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Allow someone to | Verb + Object + Inf | To give someone permission to do something. |
| Allow for | Phrasal Verb | To consider or include something in a plan. |
| Allow access | Verb + Noun | To give permission to enter a place or use a system. |
| Be allowed to | Passive Verb | To have permission (focus on the receiver). |
| Allow enough time | Verb + Noun Phrase | To set aside a sufficient period for a task. |
Common Mistakes: Natural vs Unnatural
| Do Not Say | Say This |
|---|---|
| Please allow me go. | Please allow me to go. |
| The rules don’t allow smoking. | Smoking is not allowed. (Or: “The rules don’t allow for smoking.”) |
| I allow that he is right. | I concede that he is right. (Or: “I agree he is right.”) |
| Allow to the users to login. | Allow users to login. |
“When we designed the new office layout, we wanted to allow for growth in the coming years. The open-plan design allows light to reach every desk, which significantly improves morale. Furthermore, the new digital system allows access to files remotely, allowing our team to work from home whenever necessary. We always allow enough time for feedback before finalizing any major changes.”
Frequently Asked Questions about Allow Collocations
What is the difference between “allow” and “let”?
“Allow” is more formal and requires the “to” infinitive (e.g., allow him to go). “Let” is informal and uses the bare infinitive without “to” (e.g., let him go).
When should I use “allow for”?
<pUse "allow for" when you are planning or calculating something and need to include a specific factor, such as "allow for mistakes" or "allow for traffic."
Is it correct to say “allow doing something”?
Generally, no. We usually say “allow [someone] to do [something]” or use the passive “smoking is not allowed.” Using the -ing form directly after “allow” is rare and usually replaced by “permit.”
What is the difference between “allow” and “permit”?
Both are similar, but “permit” is even more formal than “allow.” “Permit” is often used in legal documents or official signs (e.g., “Permit required for entry”).
Can “allow” be used as a noun?
In modern, standard English, “allow” is not used as a noun. The noun form is “allowance,” which refers to an amount of money or a permitted limit.
Thank you for the tip on 'allow + person + to + verb.' I used to say 'allow that he goes' which I now realize is wrong!
You're welcome, Noor! Avoid using 'that' clauses with 'allow.' Stick to the 'person + to' pattern and you'll sound much more natural.
In the sentence 'The design allows for easy maintenance,' is 'allows' acting as a synonym for 'makes possible'?
How does 'allow' compare to 'grant'? I see 'grant permission' often.
Hi Abeba! 'Grant' is very formal and usually involves an official authority (like a government or a boss). 'Allow' is much more versatile for everyday situations.
This blog is a lifesaver. I was just writing an essay and couldn't decide if I should use 'allow for' or 'permit.'
Is 'allow for' used only for negative things like delays, or can we 'allow for' good things too?
You can definitely allow for good things, Ananya! For example, 'We should allow for a little extra time to enjoy the view during our hike.'
Could you explain 'allowance' as a noun in a future post? I hear it used for money (like for kids) but also in engineering.
That's a brilliant idea for a follow-up, Ji-Hoon! The noun form has several distinct meanings depending on the industry. We will add it to our list!
I really appreciate the 'logical planning' section. In French, we have a similar concept, but 'allow for' is a much more concise way to say it in English.
In my country, we say 'allow to me.' I see now that 'to' shouldn't be there after the verb. It should just be 'allow me.' Correct?
I'm confused by the grammar. Can we say 'The rules allow using phones' or must it be 'The rules allow us to use phones'?
Excellent observation, Omar! If there is no person mentioned, we use the -ing form (allow using). If we mention the person, we use the to-infinitive (allow us to use). Both are correct!
The article mentions 'providing access.' Does 'allow' work the same way as 'enable'?
They are very close, Isabella! 'Enable' often implies giving the *ability* or *tools* to do something, while 'allow' focuses more on giving *permission* or *space* for it to happen.