(allows, allowing, allowed)
Frequency: The word is one of the 700 most common words in English.
1.
If someone is allowed to do something, it is all right for them to do it and they will not get into trouble.
The children are not allowed to watch violent TV programmes...
The Government will allow them to advertise on radio and television...
They will be allowed home...
Smoking will not be allowed.
= permit, let
? forbid
VERB: be V-ed to-inf, V n to-inf, be V-ed adv/prep, be V-ed, also V n/-ing
2.
If you are allowed something, you are given permission to have it or are given it.
Gifts like chocolates or flowers are allowed...
He should be allowed the occasional treat.
= permit
? forbid
VERB: be V-ed, be V-ed n
3.
If you allow something to happen, you do not prevent it.
He won't allow himself to fail...
If the soil is allowed to dry out the tree could die.
= permit, let
? prevent
VERB: V n to-inf, V n to-inf
4.
If one thing allows another thing to happen, the first thing creates the opportunity for the second thing to happen.
The compromise will allow him to continue his free market reforms.
...an attempt to allow the Moslem majority a greater share of power...
She said this would allow more effective planning.
= permit, let
? prevent
VERB: V n to-inf, V n n, V n
5.
If you allow a particular length of time or a particular amount of something for a particular purpose, you include it in your planning.
Please allow 28 days for delivery...
Allow about 75ml (3fl oz) per six servings.
VERB: V n for n, V n
6.
If you allow that something is true, you admit or agree that it is true. (FORMAL)
Warren also allows that capitalist development may, in its early stages, result in increased social inequality.
= acknowledge
VERB: V that
7.
Some people use Allow me to... as a way of introducing something that they want to say or do. (FORMAL)
Allow me to introduce Dr Amberg.
= permit me to
PHRASE