allow
gb/əlˈaʊ/ us/əlˈaʊ/
A2
Anglais
~ 300
Sens
0 sens
Verbe
A2
action
1
Give permission for something
To say that someone can do something, or that something can happen.
Schéma d’usage :
to allow [someone/something] to [do something]
Erreur fréquente :
Learners sometimes confuse 'allow' with 'let'. 'Allow' is slightly more formal and often needs an object before the action, e.g., 'allow someone to do something'.
Synonymes
permit (Slightly more formal and often used in official contexts.)
Antonymes
forbid (Actively refuse to give permission.)
Collocations
allow access
|allow entry
|allow time
|allow use
|allow freedom
Thèmes
daily life
|law
|rules
|daily_life
Exemples
- The teacher allowed the students to leave early.
- My parents don't allow me to stay out after midnight.
- The software allows users to create their own profiles.
- Smoking is not allowed inside the building.
- They allowed the meeting to continue despite the noise.
Exemples pédagogiques
- My mother allows me to watch TV after dinner.
- The park allows dogs.
- This key allows you to open the door.
- We are allowed to use the computer at school.
- He allows his son to play outside.
Verbe
B1
action
2
Make something possible
To make it possible for something to happen.
Schéma d’usage :
to allow [something] to [happen/be done]
Erreur fréquente :
Learners may confuse this meaning with giving permission; here, it is about possibility, not authority.
Synonymes
enable (Focuses on providing ability or means, not permission.)
Antonymes
prevent (Stops something from being able to happen.)
Collocations
allow growth
|allow movement
|allow access
|allow changes
Thèmes
technology
|science
|daily life
|core_vocabulary
Exemples
- The new system allows faster data processing.
- This design allows more light into the room.
- Good planning allows us to finish on time.
- The road's closure will not allow traffic through.
- His injury didn't allow him to play in the final.
Exemples pédagogiques
- This app allows you to share photos.
- The window allows fresh air into the room.
- Good weather allows us to play outside.
- The rules allow changes when needed.
Verbe
B1
action
3
Plan extra time or resources
To plan for extra time, money, or space when you do something.
Schéma d’usage :
to allow [time/money/space] for [something]
Erreur fréquente :
Learners may confuse this with giving permission; here it means making a plan with extra resources or time.
Synonymes
allocate (Suggests deliberate setting aside of resources.)
Antonymes
overlook (Fail to plan or provide for something.)
Collocations
allow time for
|allow money for
|allow space for
Thèmes
planning
|business
|work
|finance
|time
Exemples
- You should allow at least two hours for the journey.
- We must allow enough space for all the guests.
- The budget allows for unexpected expenses.
- Allow some time for the paint to dry.
Exemples pédagogiques
- Allow ten minutes to walk to school.
- We allow money for food on the trip.
- Please allow extra time for traffic.
- Allow space between the chairs.
Verbe
C1
action
4
Accept a point in argument
To agree that something is true in a discussion, even if you don't like it.
Schéma d’usage :
to allow that [clause]
Erreur fréquente :
'Allow that' is formal and rare in speech; learners may overuse it instead of 'admit' or 'agree'.
Synonymes
concede (Often used when reluctantly admitting something.)
Antonymes
deny (Refuse to accept something as true.)
Collocations
allow that
Thèmes
discussion
|debate
|communication
Exemples
- She allowed that she might have made a mistake.
- I allow that his idea has some merit.
- He allowed that their plan could work under certain conditions.
Exemples pédagogiques
- I allow that you are right this time.
- He allows that it is a good idea.
- She allowed that she was wrong.
Grammaire
Forme canonique
allow
API
GB/əlˈaʊ/
US/əlˈaʊ/
Syllabes et accentuation
al - low (2 syllabes)
Stress on 2nd syllable (low)
Formes du mot
Verb
- Base: allow
- 3rd Person Singular: allows
- Present Participle: allowing
- Past: allowed
Famille de mots
Forms
allows
verb
allowing
verb
allowed
verb
Core family
allowance
noun A2
Related words
allowable
adjective
Negative and opposite forms
disallow
verb
unallowable
adjective
Expressions
allow for
1/əlˈaʊ fɚ/
phrasal verb
Consider in planning or decisions
To think about something important when you are making a plan or decision.
Exemples
- You need to allow for delays when booking your train.
- The design allows for future expansion.
be allowed to
1/bˈi əlˈaʊd tə/
fixed phrase
Have permission to do something
To have official or personal permission to do something.
Exemples
- We are allowed to take photos inside the museum.
- Children are not allowed to enter this area.
not allow something/someone out of your sight
1/nˈɑt əlˈaʊ səmˈɛθɪŋsˈoʊmˈoʊn ˈaʊt əv jˈʊɹ sˈaɪt/
idiom
informal
Watch closely without stopping
To watch someone or something all the time so you don't lose them or it.
Exemples
- Keep the passport safe and don't allow it out of your sight.
- The mother didn't allow her child out of her sight in the busy market.