allow

allowverb

Allow is to say something is okay to do, or to make it possible by providing enough time, space, or money.

1. give permissiongive someone permission to do something, or say that something is acceptable

   transitive [T] verb + object + to-infinitive [V + obj + to-inf] verb + object [V + obj] usually passive [usually passive]

   • Her parents allow her to stay out late on weekends. V + obj + to-inf
   • Smoking is not allowed in this building. usually passive
   • The rules allow one bag per passenger. V + obj
   • Are dogs allowed on the beach?

   Synonyms permit (permit is more formal and is often used in official rules)

   Compare agree

2. make possiblemake it possible for something to happen, or provide enough time, space, or money for something

   transitive or intransitive [T/I] verb + object + to-infinitive [V + obj + to-inf] verb + object [V + obj] verb + preposition + object [V + prep + obj]

   • The new bridge allows people to cross the river quickly.
   • This design allows for more space in the kitchen. V + prep + obj
   • Please allow extra time in case the bus is late. V + obj
   • The budget doesn't allow for any extra expenses. V + prep + obj

   Collocations

   verb + preposition allow for