ENGLISH
REFERENCE

allows

v.
A2 Elementary US //əˈɫaʊz// UK //ɐlˈaʊz// al·lows

v. to let someone do something or to make something possible. You use this when you give permission or when a rule or situation gives you the chance to act.

v. to permit or enable an action or condition to occur. Transitive — requires a direct object, often followed by an infinitive phrase.


SIMPLE

The new law allows people to vote online.

CONTEXTUAL

The security guard allows visitors to enter the building only after they show a valid form of identification.

COMPLEX

Modern encryption allows for the secure transmission of sensitive data across public networks, effectively preventing unauthorized parties from intercepting private communications.

Synonyms
Antonyms
Usage

The verb is transitive. When followed by another action, it typically uses the pattern 'allow + object + to-infinitive'.

Pitfall

My boss allows me go home early.My boss allows me to go home early.When 'allow' is followed by an object and another verb, the second verb must be in the to-infinitive form.

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