ENGLISH
REFERENCE

allow of

phr. v..
C1 Advanced Oxford

phr. v.. to make something possible or to leave room for a specific interpretation.

phr. v.. to permit or admit of a particular possibility or interpretation; typically used in formal or literary contexts with abstract subjects.


SIMPLE

The rules do not allow of any exceptions.

CONTEXTUAL

The evidence is quite clear and does not allow of any other conclusion.

COMPLEX

The gravity of the situation is such that it allows of no delay in our response to the humanitarian crisis.

Particles
of
Separability
inseparable
Pattern
allow + of + object
Usage

highly formal and almost always used in the negative (e.g., 'allows of no...').

Teaching tip

contrast with the common 'allow' (to permit); 'allow of' is more about logical possibility or abstract space than giving permission to a person.

Pitfall

The boss doesn't allow of me to leave early.The boss doesn't allow me to leave early.use 'allow + object' for permission; 'allow of' is for abstract possibilities and does not take a person as an object.

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