Phrasal verb
allow for
Definition
phrasal verb. to consider or include something when you are making a plan or calculation.
phrasal verb. to take a factor into consideration; to make provision for a possibility or contingency when planning.
Examples
“You should allow for traffic when planning your trip.”
“The architect had to allow for extra weight when designing the roof of the new stadium.”
“The budget fails to allow for the inevitable fluctuations in currency exchange rates that occur during international trade.”
Examples
simple
“You should allow for traffic when planning your trip.”
contextual
“The architect had to allow for extra weight when designing the roof of the new stadium.”
complex
“The budget fails to allow for the inevitable fluctuations in currency exchange rates that occur during international trade.”
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “allow for” in context.
Verb
01. allow for delays
“We should leave early to allow for potential traffic delays on the motorway.”
verb + prep + noun
02. allow for error
“The budget is tight, but we must allow for a small margin of error.”
verb + prep + noun
03. allow for growth
“The new office space was designed to allow for future company growth.”
verb + prep + noun
04. fail to allow for
“The architect failed to allow for the weight of the heavy machinery.”
verb + infinitive
05. need to allow for
“You need to allow for extra time if you are traveling during rush hour.”
verb + infinitive
Adverb
06. adequately allow for
“The insurance policy does not adequately allow for natural disasters.”
adv + verb
07. specifically allow for
“The contract was updated to specifically allow for remote work arrangements.”
adv + verb
Usage
usually followed by a noun representing a potential problem, delay, or extra cost.
Teaching tip
contrast with 'consider' (general thinking) and 'account for' (explaining why something happened); 'allow for' is specifically about preparation for the future.
Pitfall
We must allow for to be late.
We must allow for being late.
the preposition 'for' must be followed by a noun or a gerund, not an infinitive.
Phrasal verb
Particles
for
Separability
inseparable
Pattern
allow + for + object
Synonyms
Antonyms
Grammar
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Level
- B2 · Upper IntermediateOxford
- Updated
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