The word “Allow” in English: Meaning and usage examples

The word “allow” [əˈlaʊ]  is one of the fundamental verbs in the English language, often used in various contexts to express permission or possibility. Let’s explore the primary meanings, forms, and usage examples of this word.

Primary meanings of “Allow”

To Permit

“Allow” is used to grant permission for a particular action or to access something.

Example:

• My parents allowed me to go to the party.

To Take Into Consideration

It is used when certain factors or possibilities need to be considered.

Example:

• We should allow extra time for delays.

To Admit the Possibility of Something

It means to admit the possibility of something, such as a situation or condition.

Example:

• The rules allow some flexibility.

Forms of the verb “Allow”

Present: allow

• Example: They allow pets in this hotel.

Past: allowed

• Example: She allowed him to borrow her car.

Past Participle: allowed

• Example: The items are allowed under the new regulations.

Present Participle / Gerund: allowing

• Example: He is considering allowing more flexibility in the schedule.

How to use “Allow” in sentences

Allow + someone/something + to do something

Used to grant permission to someone or something to perform a certain action.

Example:

• The teacher allowed the students to leave early.

Allow + for + something

Used to consider or account for something.

Example:

• We need to allow for traffic delays.

Allow + of + something

Used in more formal contexts to indicate the possibility of something.

Example:

• The situation allows of no further delay.

Examples of phrases with “Allow”

• Allow access
  • Example: The new policy allows access to additional resources.
• Allow time
  • Example: Please allow time for preparation.
• Allow room
  • Example: Make sure to allow room for growth.

Special considerations for using “Allow”

• Formality: The word “allow” can be used in both formal and informal contexts. For example, “The company does not allow smoking on the premises” is a formal context, while “My parents allowed me to stay up late” is more informal.
• Common in Rules and Instructions: “Allow” is often found in rules and instructions where it indicates permission or prohibition of certain actions. For example, “Please allow up to 5 days for delivery.”

Phrasal verbs with “Allow” in English

Phrasal verbs are an integral part of English. They consist of a verb and one or more particles, such as prepositions or adverbs, that change the meaning of the main verb. Today, we will look at phrasal verbs with “allow” and their meanings in context.

Allow for

Meaning: To consider, take into account, or make an allowance for something.

• Example: When planning the trip, you should allow for delays.
• Explanation: This phrasal verb means to consider the possibility of certain circumstances or events. It is used when preparing or planning to account for potential changes or difficulties.

Allow of

Meaning: To admit, permit, or allow the possibility of something.

• Example: The current situation does not allow of any delay.
• Explanation: This phrasal verb is used in more formal contexts and indicates the possibility or admission of certain actions or conditions. It can be used in situations where it is necessary to consider or permit a particular action.

Popular phrases with “Allow” in English

Allow in

Meaning: To permit someone to enter or gain access to a place.

• Example: They allowed in only those with valid tickets.

Allow out

Meaning: To permit someone to leave or exit a place.

• Example: The teacher did not allow out any student during the class.

Allow through

Meaning: To permit passage or movement through a place or object.

• Example: The security personnel allowed through only those with proper identification.

Allow me

Meaning: Allow me (to do something).

• Example: Allow me to help you with those bags.

Allow yourself to (do something)

Meaning: To permit oneself to do something.

• Example: Allow yourself to relax and enjoy the vacation.

Allow for (something)

Meaning: To consider or account for something.

• Example: We need to allow for traffic when planning our departure time.

Allow of (something)

Meaning: To admit the possibility of something.

• Example: The rules allow of no exceptions.

Allow into

Meaning: To permit entry into a place.

• Example: Only authorized personnel are allowed into the restricted area.

Allow up to

Meaning: To permit or allocate a certain amount of time or resources.

• Example: Please allow up to 48 hours for a response.

Allow no room for (something)

Meaning: To leave no space for something.

• Example: The strict rules allow no room for flexibility.

Allow time for (something)

Meaning: To allocate time for something.

• Example: Make sure to allow time for breaks during your workday.

Phrasal verbs with “allow” are versatile and used in various contexts to denote permission for different actions. They can be useful in everyday communication, official statements, or situations where access control or certain actions need to be monitored. Learning and memorizing these verbs will help you better understand and effectively use the English language.

In conclusion, among the phrases listed above, the true phrasal verbs are “allow for” and “allow of.” Other phrases are common expressions or word combinations involving “allow.” They have different grammatical meanings and are used in various contexts.