Meaning & use
allow in
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Meanings
phrasetransitive
to let someone or something enter a place.
Grammar: Takes an object between 'allow' and 'in': 'allow visitors in'. In the passive, the object moves to the front: 'Visitors are not allowed in.'
Patterns
- allow someone in
- allow something in
- be allowed in
The guard would not allow us in without a pass.
Please open the window and allow some fresh air in.
Children under twelve are not allowed in.
phrasetransitive
to permit light, air, or sound to come inside.
Grammar: Often used of openings or materials: 'The blinds allow light in.'
Patterns
- allow something in
- allow light in
The thin curtains allow a lot of sunlight in.
This door allows cold air in during the winter.
Common combinations
- allow someone in
- They allowed the reporters in for five minutes.
- be allowed in
- Pets are allowed in the café.
- allow light in
- The skylight allows plenty of light in.
- not allow in
- The club does not allow children in after nine.
Synonyms and how they differ
- let in
- More informal and common in speech: 'Let me in!'
- admit
- More formal and often used for public places: 'The museum admits visitors at ten.'
Opposites
Word family
- allow verb
- To give permission for something.
- allowable adjective
- Allowed by rules or law.
Commonly confused: allow in or allow for?
allow in vs allow for
'Allow for' means to consider or include something in your plans: 'Allow for delays.' It does not mean to let someone enter.
Practice
The bouncer refused to ___.
Choose one answer.
The object 'us' goes between 'allow' and 'in': 'allow us in'. 'Allow in us' and 'allow in' are not correct English word order here.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “allow in”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.