Meaning
Allow for means to consider, take into account, or make provision for something when planning or deciding. It refers to the act of including a factor, possibility, or condition in calculations, arrangements, or expectations.
Grammar and Usage
- Phrasal verb (transitive)
- Structure: allow for + noun / pronoun / possibility
- Often used in formal or semi-formal contexts, especially in planning, budgeting, or organizing.
Examples of structures:
- "allow for something" → We must allow for delays.
- "allow for the fact that ..." → You need to allow for the fact that it may rain.
Common Phrases
- allow for delays
- allow for extra time
- allow for the possibility
- allow for expenses
- allow for the fact that ...
Collocations
- verb + allow for: must allow for, should allow for, need to allow for
- noun + allow for: budget allows for, design allows for
- adverb + allow for: carefully allow for, adequately allow for
Examples
- We must allow for traffic when planning our departure time.
- The budget allows for unexpected expenses.
- You should allow for the possibility that the meeting might run late.
- The design allows for future expansion of the building.
- When calculating delivery time, the company always allows for potential delays.
- Please allow for mistakes during the learning process.
- The forecast doesn’t allow for sudden weather changes.
- You need to allow for the fact that not everyone will agree with you.
Synonyms or Related
- take into account
- consider
- make provision for
- factor in
Antonym
- ignore
- overlook
- discount