allow for, allow to, make allowance for

Allow for and make allowance for mean to take into consideration or provide for.

  • Allowing for the time to obtain parts, the mechanic estimated it would take a week to repair the car.
  • Don’t forget to allow for rain when planning a pool party.
  • Make allowance for staff shortages when setting the project deadline.

Make allowance for also means to pardon or excuse because of extenuating circumstances.

  • During the transit strike, employers made allowances for altered work schedules.

Allow to means to permit.

  • In Winnipeg, residents were not allowed to water their lawns daily during the dry summer.
  • Please allow me to congratulate you on your recent promotion.

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© His Majesty the King in Right of Canada, represented by the Minister of Public Services and Procurement
A tool created and made available online by the Translation Bureau, Public Services and Procurement Canada

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