Allow for Meaning in English
expression
əˈɫaʊ/ /ˈfɔɹ/, /fɝ/, /fɹɝ
uh-LOW for
ɐlˈaʊ/ /fˈɔː
uh-LOW faw
Definition
To consider or make room for something when planning or deciding; to take something into account.
Usage & Nuances
Common in formal or professional contexts (business, engineering). Often used with time, money, or unexpected factors: 'allow for delays', 'allow for error'. Different from simply 'allow', which means to permit.
Spanish: tener en cuenta - dejar espacio paraPortuguese (BR): levar em conta - permitirPortuguese (PT): levar em conta - permitirChinese (Simplified): 考虑到 - 预留Chinese (Traditional): 考慮到 - 預留Hindi: का ध्यान रखना - जगह छोड़नाArabic: يأخذ في الاعتبار - يسمح بBengali: বিবেচনা করা - হিসেব করাRussian: учитывать - предусматриватьJapanese: 考慮する - 見込むVietnamese: tính đến - dự trùKorean: 고려하다 - 감안하다Turkish: göz önünde bulundurmak - hesaba katmakUrdu: مدنظر رکھنا - حساب میں رکھناIndonesian: mempertimbangkan - mengantisipasi
Example Sentences
We need to allow for traffic when planning our trip.
basic
The budget must allow for extra costs.
basic
We should allow for possible delays.
basic
If you allow for some mistakes, the test is easier to pass.
natural
A good recipe will allow for some changes in ingredients.
natural
When making plans, always allow for the unexpected.
natural