Mastering ‘Allow for’ to Excel in IELTS: A Comprehensive Guide

Understanding ‘Allow for’ in Context

The phrasal verb ‘allow for’ is a crucial linguistic tool that can significantly enhance your IELTS performance. It’s essential to grasp its nuances to use it effectively in both speaking and writing sections of the test.

Definition and Explanation

‘Allow for’ means to take something into account or to make provision for something when planning. It’s often used when considering potential problems or changes that might occur in the future. Synonyms include ‘account for’, ‘make provision for’, or ‘factor in’.

Usage in Different Contexts

In formal contexts:

• “The project timeline must allow for potential delays due to weather conditions.”

In informal situations:

• “When planning a road trip, always allow for unexpected stops.”

In writing:

• “The budget proposal allows for a 5% increase in operational costs.”

In speaking:

• “We should allow for different opinions when making decisions.”

Allow for usage in different contexts

Grammatical Analysis

‘Allow for’ is an inseparable phrasal verb, meaning no words can be inserted between ‘allow’ and ‘for’. It’s typically followed by a noun or gerund.

Correct: “We must allow for unexpected expenses.”
Incorrect: “We must allow unexpected expenses for.”

Application in IELTS

Speaking Section

In IELTS Speaking, using ‘allow for’ can demonstrate your ability to express complex ideas and consider various factors. For example:

Question: “How do you plan for the future?”
Sample answer: “When planning for the future, I always try to allow for unexpected changes. This means I not only set clear goals but also maintain flexibility in my approach. For instance, while saving for a house, I allow for potential market fluctuations that might affect property prices.”

Writing Section

In IELTS Writing, ‘allow for’ can be used to discuss planning, budgeting, or considering different perspectives. For example:

“Effective urban planning must allow for population growth and changing demographics. By considering these factors, cities can develop infrastructure that meets both current and future needs.”

Using 'Allow for' in IELTS Speaking and Writing

Related Phrasal Verbs

1. Account for (əˈkaʊnt fɔːr): To explain or be the reason for something.
   Example: “The new evidence accounts for the discrepancies in the initial report.”

2. Factor in (ˈfæktər ɪn): To include something as an important element when making a decision or plan.
   Example: “When budgeting, you should factor in unexpected expenses.”

3. Make provision for (meɪk prəˈvɪʒən fɔːr): To prepare for something that might happen in the future.
   Example: “The company makes provision for potential market downturns in its financial planning.”

4. Take into account (teɪk ˈɪntə əˈkaʊnt): To consider or include something when making a decision or judgement.
   Example: “The jury must take into account all the evidence presented during the trial.”

5. Leave room for (liːv ruːm fɔːr): To ensure there is space or opportunity for something.
   Example: “The schedule leaves room for additional speakers if needed.”

Practice Exercises

Fill in the Blanks

1. The project manager needs to potential delays in the construction timeline.
2. When planning a vacation, it’s important to unexpected expenses.
3. The new budget a 3% increase in salaries.
4. Scientists must margin of error in their calculations.
5. The company’s strategy changes in consumer behavior.
6. Urban planners should future population growth.
7. The exam schedule extra time for students with special needs.
8. When designing the building, architects had to local climate conditions.
9. The financial forecast potential market fluctuations.
10. Event organizers must last-minute changes to the program.

Sentence Transformation

1. Original: The budget includes extra funds for emergencies.
   Transformed: The budget emergencies.

2. Original: We considered potential traffic when planning our journey.
   Transformed: We potential traffic in our journey planning.

3. Original: The experiment’s design accounts for environmental variables.
   Transformed: The experiment’s design environmental variables.

4. Original: The contract has provisions for early termination.
   Transformed: The contract early termination.

5. Original: The company factors in market volatility when making investments.
   Transformed: The company market volatility in its investment strategy.

6. Original: The teacher gave extra time for students to complete the test.
   Transformed: The teacher extra time for test completion.

7. Original: The chef considers dietary restrictions when planning the menu.
   Transformed: The chef dietary restrictions in menu planning.

8. Original: The insurance policy includes coverage for natural disasters.
   Transformed: The insurance policy natural disasters.

9. Original: The research takes into account cultural differences among participants.
   Transformed: The research cultural differences among participants.

10. Original: The new software is designed with future updates in mind.
    Transformed: The new software design future updates.

Answers and Explanations

Fill in the Blanks:

1. allow for
2. allow for
3. allows for
4. allow for
5. allows for
6. allow for
7. allows for
8. allow for
9. allows for
10. allow for

Sentence Transformation:

1. allows for
2. allowed for
3. allows for
4. allows for
5. allows for
6. allowed for
7. allows for
8. allows for
9. allows for
10. allows for

Explanation: In all these sentences, ‘allow for’ is used to express the idea of taking something into account or making provision for something. This phrasal verb is particularly useful when discussing planning, budgeting, or considering various factors in decision-making processes.

Memorization Tips

To remember ‘allow for’, think of it as creating space or flexibility in your plans. Visualize a rubber band stretching to accommodate unexpected items – this elasticity represents the concept of ‘allowing for’ various possibilities.

Another memory aid is the acronym AFE: Allow For Everything. This reminds you that ‘allow for’ is about considering all potential factors or outcomes.

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

1. Mistake: Using ‘allow’ without ‘for’ when meaning to consider or account for something.
   Correct: “The budget allows for unexpected expenses.”
   Incorrect: “The budget allows unexpected expenses.”

2. Mistake: Inserting words between ‘allow’ and ‘for’.
   Correct: “We must allow for potential delays.”
   Incorrect: “We must allow always for potential delays.”

3. Mistake: Using ‘allow for’ when simply meaning ‘permit’.
   Correct: “The rules allow students to retake the exam.” (meaning permit)
   Correct: “The exam schedule allows for retakes.” (meaning considers or makes provision for)

To avoid these errors, practice using ‘allow for’ in various contexts and always remember that it means to consider or make provision for something, not just to permit.

Conclusion

Mastering the phrasal verb ‘allow for’ can significantly enhance your IELTS performance. It demonstrates a sophisticated command of English and the ability to express complex planning and consideration concepts. Remember to use it when discussing how you or others account for various factors, especially in planning or decision-making contexts. Regular practice and application in your everyday English usage will help you incorporate this valuable phrasal verb naturally in your IELTS exam.

By effectively using ‘allow for’, you’re not just improving your language skills; you’re also showing a thoughtful, forward-thinking approach to various topics, which is highly valued in the IELTS assessment. As you prepare for your test, allow for plenty of practice time with this and other phrasal verbs to ensure you’re fully prepared to showcase your English proficiency.