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Difference between "allow" and "allow for"

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Latest post Thu, Oct 30 2008 3:50 AM by Mister Micawber. 1 replies.
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paul_h  +  581621 Thu, 30 Oct 08 02:59 AM
Hi,

I'm having problems with those two words. And I don't mean allow in the sense of to allow someone to do something.

For instance, touch-screen devices allow navigation via touch input.

or

Touch-screen devices allow for navigation via touch input.


What if I add another word, say precise:

Touch-screen devices allow precise navigation via touch input.
Touch-screen devices allow for precise navigation via touch input.


What's the difference? And when does one have to use the "for" preposition?

Paul
paul_h
Joined on Sun, May 25 2008
New Member 26
,
Mister Micawber  +  581632 Thu, 30 Oct 08 03:50 AM
.
In many situations, both will work, but not in these examples below:

Allow for = to make concession or provision for: to allow for breakage.

Allow = to give permission to or for; permit: to allow a student to be absent; No swimming allowed.
Mister Micawber
Joined on Wed, Aug 4 2004
Yokohama
Veteran Member 30,501
'The question is,' said Humpty Dumpty, 'which is to be master-- that's all.'
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