What is allow? Pronunciation and usage in English

allow means . Learn how to pronounce and use allow through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of allow

allowverb

/əˈlaʊ/
Definition & pronunciation of allow

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "allow" in English. There are a couple of common pronunciations, and they're often confused! Here's a breakdown:

1. The Most Common Pronunciation (American English):

  • Sounds like: /əˈlaʊ/ (uh-LOW)
    • uh: A short, relaxed "uh" sound, like in "about."
    • low: Pronounce "low" as you would the word itself. The emphasis is on the second syllable.

2. The British English Pronunciation:

  • Sounds like: /ˈɑː.loʊ/ (HAH-low)
    • HAH: A clear, "ah" sound like in "father."
    • low: Again, pronounce "low" as you would the word itself.

Here's a breakdown of the key differences:

Feature American English (/əˈlaʊ/) British English (/ˈɑː.loʊ/)
First Syllable Short "uh" sound Clear "ah" sound
Emphasis Second syllable ("-low") First syllable ("-loʊ")

Resources to help you hear the pronunciation:

To help me give you even more targeted advice, could you tell me:

  • Where are you from? (e.g., United States, United Kingdom, Australia, etc.) Knowing your native language can help me pinpoint the pronunciation that's most likely to be correct for you.

Usage and examples with the word allow in English

Let's break down how to use the word "allow" in English. It's a versatile word with several different nuances, so understanding those subtleties is key.

1. Basic Meaning: To Permit or Give Permission

This is the most common usage. "Allow" means to give someone permission to do something.

  • Example: “The teacher allows students to use their phones during free time.” (The teacher permits phone use.)
  • Example: “My parents allow me to stay out until 11 pm on weekends.” (My parents give me permission.)
  • Example: “The company allows employees to work from home two days a week.” (The company permits working from home.)

2. Allowing Something to Happen (Letting it Exist or Develop)

"Allow" can also mean to let something happen naturally, without trying to prevent it. It implies a passive acceptance.

  • Example: “The rain will allow the flowers to grow.” (The rain enables/lets the flowers grow.)
  • Example: “The warm temperature allows the moss to thrive.” (The temperature permits the moss to grow.)
  • Example: "The current situation allows for further negotiation." (The current conditions permit negotiation.)

3. Allowing for Something (Providing for It)

This usage means to include or account for something, often in planning or consideration.

  • Example: “The budget allows for a 10% increase in marketing spending.” (The budget includes 10% for marketing.)
  • Example: “We need to allow for delays in shipping.” (We need to account for potential shipping delays.)
  • Example: “The design allows for easy upgrades in the future.” (The design incorporates room for future improvements.)

4. Allowing Someone to (Expressing a Willingness to Let Them)

This is a less common but important use, particularly in the negative form. It means to not prevent someone from doing something.

  • Example: “You allow me to help you?” (Are you letting me help you?) – Essentially, “May I help you?”
  • Example: “I don't allow you to interrupt me like that.” (I won't let you interrupt me.)

Key Differences and Synonyms

  • Allow vs. Permit: They are often interchangeable, but "permit" can sound slightly more formal.
  • Allow vs. Let: “Let” is more informal. “Let” is generally used in the sense of permission. “Allow” can be used more broadly, including natural processes.
  • Allow vs. Enable: “Enable” suggests making something possible, whereas "allow" simply gives permission.

Here’s a table summarizing the uses:

Use Meaning Example
Permission To give permission to do something “The store allows customers to browse.”
Letting Happen To let something happen naturally “The sun allows the plants to photosynthesize.”
Providing for To include or account for something “The plan allows for contingencies.”
Not Preventing To not prevent someone from doing something “I don't allow you to leave early.”

To help me give you even more targeted advice, could you tell me:

  • What kind of context are you thinking about when you want to use "allow"? (e.g., writing an email, speaking in a conversation, etc.)
  • Can you give me an example sentence you’re struggling with?

Synonyms for the word allow

Idioms of the word allow

allow me
used to offer help politely
  • ‘Allow me,’ he said, taking the tray from her.
give/allow somebody/something free/full rein | give/allow free/full rein to something
to give somebody complete freedom of action; to allow a feeling to be expressed freely
  • The designer was given free rein.
  • The script allows full rein to her larger-than-life acting style.
  • When I paint I just give my imagination free rein.

Comment ()