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Paul_h Posted 18 years ago
Vocabulary

difference between "allow" and "allow for"

Hi,

I'm having problems with those two words. And I don't mean allow in the sense of to allow someone to do something.

For instance, touch-screen devices allow navigation via touch input.

or

Touch-screen devices allow for navigation via touch input.

What if I add another word, say precise:

Touch-screen devices allow precise navigation via touch input.
Touch-screen devices allow for precise navigation via touch input.

What's the difference? And when does one have to use the "for" preposition?

Paul
  

Top answer

In many situations, both will work, but not in these examples below: Allow for = to make concession or provision for: to allow for breakage. Allow = to give permission to or for; permit: to allow a student to be absent; No swimming allowed.

— Mister Micawber

  • In many situations, both will work, but not in these examples below: Allow for = to make concession or provision for: to allow for breakage.
  • Allow = to give permission to or for; permit: to allow a student to be absent; No swimming allowed.
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1 Answers
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In many situations, both will work, but not in these examples below:

Allow for = to make concession or provision for: to allow for breakage.

Allow = to give permission to or for; permit: to allow a student to be absent; No swimming allowed.
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