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Javier
Allow + to / ing
Hi there,
How can I use allow verbs? e.g,:
... It allow us to walk the path ...
... It allow us walking the path ...
The first one sounds better, but I'm not sure 100%.
Thanks in advance
Oct 6, 2014 11:18 AM
Answers · 8
2
You are right. 'Allow' is followed by 'to' + infinitive. Watch your 3rd-person 's' agreements, though:
It allowS us to walk.
October 6, 2014
American English Examples (allow(s) + person + to + infinitive):
1. These solar powered landscaping lights allow us to walk the path to the gazebo at night.
2. The Internet allows us to stay in touch with our loved ones throughout the day via email, Facebook, and other messaging apps like Whatsapp.
3. This version of iOS allows us to specify which apps can access the data connection at any point.
4. Their religious beliefs do not allow them to eat meat or to work on Sundays.
- - - - - - - - - - -
American English Examples (allowing + person + to + infinitive):
I think the difference here is that you are giving permission instead of empowering someone with the ability to do something as in the previous examples. Maybe another native English speaker can comment on that.
(example #1)
Mary: Are you still allowing him to go to the concert even though he punched a kid at school?
Stacy: Yes, I am still allowing him to go. / No. I am not allowing him to go to the concert.
* You could also the word "letting" here in American English instead of "allowing".
(example #2)
Mark: Why aren't you allowing him to be in wrestling anymore?
Mary: Because he keeps coming home with so many injuries.
* You could also the word "letting" here in American English instead of "allowing".
October 6, 2014
Ey Javier .i think you should look at my grammar book.it could be useful. ;)
November 6, 2014
Some verbs CANNOT be followed by gerunds (V+ing as a noun). You can find these lists online. There is no rule that I know of for why we have these lists, so you just have to memorize them.
October 6, 2014
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Javier
Language Skills
Basque, English, German, Spanish
Learning Language
English, German
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