"allow to do" vs "allow doing"

Question

"allow to do" vs "allow doing"

Both 'allow to do' and 'allow doing' are correct, but they are used in different contexts. 'Allow to do' is used when the subject is a person who is giving permission, while 'allow doing' is used when the subject is an action or situation that is permitted.

Last Updated: March 19, 2024

Use 'allow to do' when the subject is a person who is giving permission for an action to be done by someone else.

Examples:

My parents allow me to stay out late on weekends.
The teacher allows the students to use their phones during breaks.

Alternatives:

permit to do
give permission to do
authorize to do
let do
enable to do

Use 'allow doing' when the subject is an action or situation that is permitted by someone else.

Examples:

The rules allow smoking in designated areas.
The policy does not allow eating in the library.

Alternatives:

permit doing
give permission for doing
authorize doing
let someone do
enable doing

Answer 1

allow to do

This phrase is correct when the subject is a person giving permission.

Answer 2

allow doing

This phrase is correct when the subject is an action or situation that is permitted.

"allow to do" vs "allow doing"

allow to do

allow doing

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