allow for

phrasal verb

allowed for; allowing for; allows for

1

: to think about or plan for (something that will or might happen in the future)

When purchasing property, the company should allow for possible future growth/expansion.

2

: to consider (something) when one makes a calculation

The total distance, allowing for detours, is about 10 miles.

If you allow for inflation, he's actually earning less money now than he was 10 years ago.

3

: to make (something) possible

The design of the system allows for easy upgrades.

Examples of allow for in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Another variance that has to be considered is allowing for the construction of a second building, the barn to house the museum, on the property off of Porter Avenue. —Jim Woods, Chicago Tribune, 28 Feb. 2026

Leading by five goals in Honduras after 45 minutes allowed for a full-strength performance over Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami and little concern in the second leg against Real España, rotating numerous players ahead of the spring trip to Texas. —Josh Gross, Daily News, 28 Feb. 2026

Current state building code allows for single stairs in buildings with up to three stories. —Ct Mirror, Hartford Courant, 27 Feb. 2026

Choose a container or pot that allows for good drainage. —Sheryl Geerts, Better Homes & Gardens, 27 Feb. 2026

Rhymes for allow for

• albacore
• alongshore
• antiwar
• anymore
• blastopore
• carnivore
• commodore
• dinosaur
• evermore
• furthermore
• guarantor
• herbivore