to allow for
158
3.1
- phrasal verb
:
tener en cuenta
- Early identification of these problems can allow for an opportunity to develop suitable workarounds and minimize liability.
- allow for design
- allow for comparisons
- allow for adaptation
But you know, how much space should we allow for kids to be unimpinged?
- But you know, how much space should we allow for kids to be unimpinged?
- They're a soft tissue that allows for mobility of the Bony stuff.
- So full employment allows for more income for people who need it.
- But there's a certain state of being that allows for the fun to just bubble up.
- It has internal inconsistencies unless we allow for something wholly unfamiliar.
- These values have literally allowed for my life to be possible.
- The question is do we have the structure to allow for the ownership of these?
- And a lack of ability to be open doesn't allow for this opening, Right.
- Multiple choice questions allow for familiarity of names of facts.
- We need to have systems that allow for that to flourish.
- So it's this low level randomness that allows for adaptation.
Examples
-
We allowed for certain differences that are not caused by the laws of men but by those of nature.
-
The structure of the program and its placement in a church setting allowed for numerous opportunities for mentoring.
Academic text (2011) -
Note steps that will need to be taken to allow for a more comfortable growth.
-
I came up with the answer, allowing for the size of the wood and all.
Fiction book (2001) -
The question is do we have the structure to allow for the ownership of these?
-
The rules allow for illness.
-
But unfortunately the school budget just doesn't allow for a production this year.
-
In addition, the small number of teachers and students allowed for a deeper interpersonal interaction.
Academic text (2011) -
Fortunately, the friendly relationship between Lorraine and Bruce allowed for a quick resolution of her problem.
Fiction book (1996) -
The new policy will allow for better management of company resources.
Synonyms
767
1.0
To accept that something may be true or plan for it
293
3.7
To prepare for something before it happens
155
3.7
Make plans to meet someone's needs in the future
Antonyms
How Considered
103
3.2
158
3.1
293
3.7
951
1.6
∞
1.0
Surface Forms
Morphology
allow + for
There is a clear link to the verb 'allow' (to permit) and the preposition 'for' (indicating purpose or regard), so the phrase can be interpreted as 'make room for' or 'permit as a possibility', which connects to 'consider/include when planning'. However, the specific procedural sense 'make provision for; take into account' is a metaphorical extension of the literal meanings and relies on the verb+preposition pattern, so a B1 learner who knows the words may not fully predict this sense without prior exposure.
Etymology
Allow for comes from the simple image of leaving room when you plan: to allow (give or leave) space for a future need. So to allow for something is to 'think about' or 'include' it in your plans.