Phrasal verb
allow of
Definition
phrasal verb. to make something possible or to leave room for a specific interpretation.
phrasal verb. to permit or admit of a particular possibility or interpretation; typically used in formal or literary contexts with abstract subjects.
Examples
“The rules do not allow of any exceptions.”
“The evidence is quite clear and does not allow of any other conclusion.”
“The gravity of the situation is such that it allows of no delay in our response to the humanitarian crisis.”
Examples
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.”
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.
Phrasal verb
Particles
of
Separability
inseparable
Pattern
allow + of + object
Synonyms
Antonyms
Grammar
Scan code
englishreference.com/q/allow-of