usage of "allow for"

Lost_Soul · #1 (permalink) Thu Jul 12, 2007 7:38 am *usage of "allow for"*

Could I use "allow for" with the meaning "take into consideration"
For example: There are 4 sheets in the file I had to process the other day, but I took into account only the first sheet forgetting about the others. While apologising for this lapse, can I say 1. I'm sorry for not allowing for the other 3 sheets or 2. I'm sorry for forgetting to allow for the other 3 sheets

Which of those sentenses do you prefer? If none of them fits, could you propose your own variant of a reply, please?

Thank you and have a nice day Smile

Alan · #2 (permalink) Thu Jul 12, 2007 7:51 am *allow for*

Hi lost_soul,

Your sentences:

Mister Micawber · #3 (permalink) Thu Jul 12, 2007 7:53 am *usage of "allow for"*

.
I see what you are getting at, but I don't think 'allow for' works here. I presume the point is that you processed one sheet but forgot to process the other 3? You forgot outright, but 'allow for' means that one is aware of the situation/item/etc but does not provide the opportunity/time/etc necessary to accommodate it.

If it were a matter of time, for instance-- that is, if you knew you had 4 sheets to process, but only had or made time to process one-- you could say that you 'did not allow for the other 3 sheets e.g. when you promised to complete the effort'.
.
_________________
Native English teacher at Mister Micawber's

Lost_Soul · #4 (permalink) Thu Jul 12, 2007 8:05 am *usage of "allow for"*

Hi Alan and Mister Micawber,

Thank you for your replies. Smile

I hear you.

While writing I was having second thoughts that using allow for is wrong in that sentense... (but the russian translation I got from my dictionary fits perfectly - that's why I made that choice)
I guess the best variant would be I'm sorry I forgot to process the other 3 sheets wouldn't it?

	ESL Forums \| English Vocabulary, Grammar and Idioms	All times are GMT + 1 Hour
Page 1 of 1