allowance in 30 Seconds
- A regular sum of money given for personal expenses or specific tasks.
- The maximum amount or weight of something that is officially allowed.
- A tax-free portion of income or a government-provided benefit payment.
- The act of considering circumstances when judging someone's actions or performance.
The term allowance is a versatile noun that primarily describes a sanctioned amount of something—most commonly money, time, or physical weight—allocated for a specific purpose. In a domestic setting, it is the classic 'pocket money' parents give to children to teach financial responsibility. In a professional or travel context, it refers to the strict limits imposed by authorities or corporations, such as the baggage allowance on a flight or a per-diem meal allowance for a business trip. Beyond literal quantities, 'allowance' also functions as a psychological or social construct, where one 'makes allowances' for someone's behavior, essentially granting them a margin of error due to extenuating circumstances.
- Financial Allocation
- A sum of money paid regularly to a person, often a child or an employee, to cover specific expenses or as a reward for chores or labor.
The airline has a very strict 23kg checked baggage allowance for economy passengers.
When we look at the word through a technical lens, it represents a 'tolerance' or a 'margin.' In engineering, an allowance is the planned deviation from a standard measurement to ensure parts fit together correctly. In the world of taxation, a 'personal allowance' is the amount of income you can earn before you start paying tax to the government. This multifaceted nature makes it essential for B2 learners to distinguish between 'receiving' an allowance (money) and 'making' an allowance (forgiving a mistake).
- Permitted Limit
- The maximum amount of something that is legally or officially permitted in a specific situation.
He received a monthly allowance from his parents while he was studying at university.
Culturally, the concept of an allowance for children varies. In many Western cultures, it is seen as a tool for teaching the value of work and saving. Children might earn their allowance by doing the dishes or mowing the lawn. In a corporate environment, an allowance is often a benefit, such as a car allowance or a housing allowance, which adds value to a salary package without being part of the base pay. This distinction is crucial for understanding job offers and contracts.
The company provides a generous relocation allowance for employees moving from overseas.
- Social Consideration
- The act of taking into account mitigating factors when judging someone's performance or behavior.
We must make allowance for the fact that she has only been in the job for two days.
The tax allowance for individuals was increased in the latest government budget.
Using 'allowance' correctly requires understanding its role as a countable noun in most contexts and an uncountable noun in specific idiomatic expressions. When discussing money or limits, it is usually countable. For example, 'I have two different allowances: one for travel and one for food.' However, in the phrase 'make allowance for,' it acts more like a mass noun representing the concept of consideration.
- As a Direct Object
- The child spent her entire weekly allowance on a new video game within ten minutes.
You should check your baggage allowance before arriving at the airport to avoid extra fees.
The verb 'to allow' is the root, but 'allowance' carries a more formal and structured weight. You don't just 'allow' money; you 'grant' or 'provide' an allowance. In professional writing, 'allowance' is frequently paired with adjectives like 'generous,' 'meager,' 'fixed,' or 'daily.' These modifiers help define the scale and nature of the allocation.
- In Phrasal Contexts
- The judge made allowance for the defendant's youth and lack of prior convictions during sentencing.
The government announced a new fuel allowance for low-income families this winter.
In technical fields, 'allowance' describes the intentional space left between components. For instance, in carpentry, you might leave a small allowance for the wood to expand in humid weather. This usage is less common in daily conversation but vital for anyone in engineering, construction, or design. It signifies precision and foresight.
The architect included a 2mm allowance for thermal expansion in the bridge design.
- In Legal and Tax Terms
- Married couples can sometimes transfer part of their tax-free allowance to their partner.
The disability allowance helps cover the extra costs of living with a long-term condition.
You are most likely to encounter 'allowance' in three specific environments: the home, the airport, and the workplace. In the home, it’s a word associated with childhood milestones. Parents discuss how much allowance is appropriate for a ten-year-old versus a teenager. It’s a word linked to lessons about saving for a desired toy or learning that money is finite.
'If you don't clean your room, I'm docking your allowance this week!'
At the airport, 'allowance' is a word that causes stress. You’ll hear it over the intercom or see it in bold red letters on travel websites. 'Checked baggage allowance,' 'carry-on allowance,' and 'duty-free allowance' are the most common variants. Here, the word represents a boundary that, if crossed, results in a financial penalty. It’s a word of rules and regulations.
- Corporate Benefits
- In job interviews, recruiters might say, 'The salary is $50,000, plus a $5,000 car allowance.'
In the workplace, 'allowance' is part of the professional jargon regarding compensation and benefits. Companies provide allowances for travel, professional development, or even 'well-being' (e.g., a gym membership allowance). It sounds more formal than 'extra money' and implies a specific, audited use for the funds.
The HR department sent an email about the new work-from-home equipment allowance.
Finally, in literature or formal debate, you might hear 'make allowance for.' This is a sophisticated way of saying 'be understanding of.' A news commentator might say, 'We must make allowance for the volatility of the market when predicting future growth.' This usage elevates the conversation, moving from physical objects to abstract concepts of fairness and logic.
The teacher made allowance for the student's personal difficulties by extending the deadline.
One of the most frequent errors learners make is confusing 'allowance' with 'permission.' While they are related, 'permission' is the act of saying 'yes' to an action, whereas 'allowance' is the provision of a resource or the setting of a limit. You don't 'give an allowance' to go to the party; you 'give permission' to go. However, you might 'give an allowance' of $20 to spend at that party.
- Allowance vs. Pocket Money
- In British English, 'pocket money' is the standard term for children's funds, while 'allowance' is often used for more formal or adult contexts. In American English, 'allowance' is used for both.
Incorrect: My dad gave me an allowance to drive the car. (Correct: My dad gave me permission/allowed me to drive the car.)
Another common mistake involves the preposition used with 'make allowance.' Many learners say 'make allowance of' when they should say 'make allowance for.' The 'for' is essential because it indicates the reason or factor being considered. Forgetting the pluralization in 'allowances' when referring to multiple types of benefits is also a minor but noticeable slip-up.
In technical writing, failing to specify the unit of measurement for an allowance can lead to confusion. If you say 'the allowance is five,' does that mean five kilograms, five dollars, or five millimeters? Always provide the context. In financial contexts, don't confuse 'allowance' with 'salary.' An allowance is usually *in addition* to a salary or given to someone who does not have a salary (like a child or a student).
Confused: Is my allowance paid monthly? (Clarify if you mean tax allowance, travel allowance, or pocket money.)
Depending on the context, 'allowance' can be swapped with several synonyms, each carrying a slightly different nuance. 'Stipend' is a more formal term, usually referring to a fixed sum of money paid to a student or trainee. 'Budget' implies a planned amount of money to be spent, often by an organization or for a project, rather than a gift or limit.
- Allowance vs. Stipend
- An allowance is often for general needs; a stipend is usually a formal payment for living expenses during an internship or research program.
The PhD student received a monthly stipend to cover housing and food.
When talking about limits, 'quota' or 'ration' are alternatives. A 'quota' is a fixed number or percentage of something that is allowed or required (often in trade or hiring). A 'ration' is a fixed amount of a commodity (like food or fuel) allowed to each person during a time of shortage. 'Allowance' is softer than 'ration' and more general than 'quota.'
- Allowance vs. Tolerance
- In engineering, 'allowance' is the intentional difference between dimensions, while 'tolerance' is the permissible range of error.
The quota for imported cars was reached by mid-year.
In social contexts, 'concession' is a good alternative to 'making allowance.' A concession is something granted in response to a demand or to reach an agreement. If you 'make a concession' for someone, you are giving up a point or a rule to help them. 'Making allowance' is more about understanding the reason behind a failure, while 'making a concession' is a strategic move in a negotiation.
How Formal Is It?
""
""
""
""
""
Fun Fact
The word 'allowance' was once used to mean 'praise' because when you 'allowed' something, you were essentially 'approving' of it. The financial meaning only became common in the 16th century.
Pronunciation Guide
- Pronouncing the first 'a' as 'ay' (like 'ay-low-ance').
- Confusing the 'ow' sound with 'oh' (like 'al-low' as in 'low temperature').
- Swallowing the final 'ns' sound.
- Putting stress on the first syllable.
- Mistaking it for 'allow' (verb) and forgetting the 'ance' ending.
Difficulty Rating
The word is common but its various meanings (money vs. tolerance) can be tricky in complex texts.
Using 'make allowance for' correctly requires good prepositional knowledge.
Easy to pronounce and very useful in daily travel or family conversations.
Clearly pronounced and often appears in airport announcements or financial news.
What to Learn Next
Prerequisites
Learn Next
Advanced
Grammar to Know
Noun as Modifier
In 'baggage allowance', the noun 'baggage' acts like an adjective to describe the 'allowance'.
Prepositional Idioms
The phrase 'make allowance for' always uses 'for', never 'to' or 'by'.
Countable vs. Uncountable
'An allowance' (countable) vs. 'Making allowance' (abstract/uncountable).
Pluralization for Benefits
When listing multiple perks, use 'allowances' (e.g., housing and travel allowances).
Zero Article with Idioms
Sometimes 'make allowance' is used without 'an' in formal literary contexts.
Examples by Level
I get a weekly allowance of five dollars.
I receive money every week from my parents.
Countable noun.
Do you get an allowance?
Asking if someone receives pocket money.
Question form.
My allowance is for toys.
The money is used to buy toys.
Possessive 'my'.
She saves her allowance every month.
She puts her money in a safe place.
Present simple verb 'saves'.
He spent his allowance on a book.
He used the money to buy a book.
Past simple verb 'spent'.
No allowance this week!
The child will not receive money.
Exclamatory phrase.
I want a bigger allowance.
I want more money.
Adjective 'bigger' modifying noun.
My brother gets a small allowance.
The amount of money is not much.
Adjective 'small' modifying noun.
What is the baggage allowance for this flight?
How much weight can my bags be?
Compound noun: baggage allowance.
My allowance for lunch is ten euros.
I have ten euros to spend on food.
Preposition 'for' used for purpose.
The hotel gives a breakfast allowance.
The hotel provides a set amount for breakfast.
Direct object.
You have a 20kg allowance.
Your limit is 20 kilograms.
Noun used as a limit.
Is there an allowance for extra bags?
Can I bring more bags?
Interrogative sentence.
The school provides a small travel allowance.
The school helps with travel costs.
Adjective 'travel' acting as a modifier.
I exceeded my data allowance on my phone.
I used too much internet data.
Verb 'exceeded' + noun.
They offer a clothing allowance for the new job.
They give money to buy work clothes.
Plural not required here but possible.
You must make allowance for the heavy traffic.
Think about the traffic when planning your time.
Idiomatic phrase: 'make allowance for'.
The government increased the disability allowance.
The payment for disabled people is higher now.
Formal noun usage.
He receives a car allowance as part of his salary.
The company pays for his car expenses.
Business terminology.
The tax allowance has gone up this year.
The amount you can earn without tax is higher.
Specific financial term.
We need to make allowance for his lack of experience.
We should be understanding because he is new.
Abstract usage.
What is the daily allowance for meals?
How much money do I get for food each day?
Adjective 'daily' modifying noun.
She has a generous allowance from her inheritance.
She gets a lot of money from a past relative.
Adjective 'generous' modifying noun.
The airline's allowance for carry-on luggage is very small.
The size limit for small bags is tight.
Possessive 'airline's'.
The personal tax allowance is the amount you earn tax-free.
Income below this level is not taxed.
Technical financial term.
Allowances must be made for the age of the building.
We must consider that the building is old.
Passive voice: 'must be made'.
The relocation allowance covered all my moving costs.
The company paid for my move.
Specific corporate term.
There is a 5% allowance for waste in the production process.
We expect 5% of materials to be thrown away.
Technical/Manufacturing usage.
The judge made allowance for the defendant's difficult childhood.
The judge was more lenient because of the person's past.
Legal context.
Her monthly allowance is supplemented by a part-time job.
She gets an allowance and also works.
Verb 'supplemented'.
The baggage allowance varies depending on the class of travel.
Business class has more allowance than economy.
Subject-verb agreement.
We should make allowance for possible delays due to the weather.
Plan for the fact that the weather might slow us down.
Modal 'should'.
The system of carbon allowances aims to reduce industrial emissions.
A policy to control pollution by limiting carbon output.
Environmental policy term.
In his critique, he made no allowance for the author's cultural background.
He didn't consider the author's culture when judging the work.
Formal analytical usage.
The precision of the fit depends on the machining allowance.
The extra metal left to be removed during finishing.
Engineering terminology.
The treaty provides a significant allowance for developing nations.
The agreement gives special permission/resources to poorer countries.
International relations context.
One must make allowance for the inherent subjectivity of the data.
You have to remember that the data is based on opinions.
Academic register.
The capital allowance scheme encourages businesses to invest in machinery.
A tax break for buying equipment.
Macroeconomic term.
The allowance for bad debts is a key figure on the balance sheet.
Money set aside because some people won't pay their bills.
Accounting terminology.
The design includes an allowance for future expansion of the facility.
They left space so the building can be made bigger later.
Architecture/Planning.
The philosopher argued that morality must make allowance for human frailty.
Ethics should consider that humans are not perfect.
Philosophical register.
The statutory allowance for such claims is strictly regulated.
The legal limit for these payments is controlled by law.
Legal/Administrative term.
There is a subtle allowance in the verse for multiple interpretations.
The poem is written to allow many meanings.
Literary criticism.
The fiscal policy incorporates an allowance for inflationary pressures.
The plan considers that prices might go up.
High-level economics.
In the context of the trial, the judge's allowance of the evidence was controversial.
The judge's decision to permit the evidence was debated.
Gerund-like usage (act of allowing).
The structural allowance for seismic activity saved the skyscraper.
The way the building was made for earthquakes kept it standing.
Civil engineering.
The contract includes a contingency allowance for unforeseen expenses.
Extra money kept for unexpected problems.
Project management.
The allowance of such behavior in the workplace is a failure of leadership.
Permitting this behavior shows bad management.
Abstract noun phrase.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
— To take into consideration mitigating factors or potential problems. It suggests being flexible and understanding.
You have to make allowance for the fact that he's still learning.
— The amount of luggage a passenger is permitted to carry without extra charge. It is a standard travel term.
My baggage allowance was only 15kg on the budget airline.
— Money provided to cover basic costs like food and rent. Often given to students or people working abroad.
The scholarship includes a modest living allowance.
— The specific amount of income an individual can receive before paying income tax. It varies by country.
The government raised the personal allowance to help low-income workers.
— A sum of money paid to an employee to cover the costs of business-related travel. It may cover gas or tickets.
He used his travel allowance to book a train to the conference.
— Also known as per diem, it is a set amount for daily expenses. Common in corporate and military settings.
The daily allowance for the trip was enough for three good meals.
— The amount of goods a person can bring into a country without paying customs duties. Usually applies to alcohol and tobacco.
I checked the duty-free allowance before buying perfume at the airport.
— A benefit where an employer pays an employee a sum of money to use their own car for work. It is an alternative to a company car.
She chose the car allowance instead of taking the company vehicle.
— A specific social security benefit, often for people who need help with personal care. Common in the UK.
My grandmother receives an attendance allowance to help with her home care.
— An amount paid to an employee or military member to help cover the cost of rent or a mortgage. Often part of an expat package.
The job in Dubai came with a very high housing allowance.
Often Confused With
Permission is saying 'yes' to an action; allowance is providing a resource or setting a limit.
A budget is a full plan for spending; an allowance is usually just one part of a budget or a specific gift.
Salary is payment for work; an allowance is often a benefit *on top* of a salary or for non-workers.
Idioms & Expressions
— To judge someone less severely because you understand their circumstances. It is a very common idiomatic use.
He's very tired, so we should make allowances for his grumpiness.
Neutral/Informal— Staying inside the permitted limit or budget. It implies discipline and adherence to rules.
Make sure you stay within your data allowance this month.
Neutral— To go over the permitted limit, often resulting in a fine or penalty. Used in travel and finance.
If you exceed your baggage allowance, you'll have to pay $50 per extra kilo.
Neutral/Formal— A very small amount of money or resource that is barely enough to survive or function. It carries a negative connotation.
The refugees were surviving on a meager allowance of food and water.
Neutral/Formal— A large or ample amount of money or resource given for a purpose. It carries a positive connotation.
The university provides a generous allowance for research materials.
Neutral/Formal— A planned margin that permits mistakes or variations without causing total failure. Common in engineering and management.
The bridge design has a large allowance for error in case of extreme winds.
Professional— To be in a situation where your spending is controlled by someone else, usually a parent or guardian.
Even at twenty, he was still on an allowance from his wealthy grandfather.
Informal— To reduce the amount of money given as a punishment. Usually used for children's pocket money.
If you break another window, I'm docking your allowance for a month!
Informal— A set amount that does not change regardless of the actual costs incurred. It implies a 'take it or leave it' situation.
The government offers a fixed allowance for home energy improvements.
Formal— Space or resources left intentionally to accommodate future expansion. Used in planning and child development.
When buying school shoes, always leave a small allowance for growth.
NeutralEasily Confused
Both involve giving a share of something.
An allotment is often a piece of land for gardening or a specific portion of a total; an allowance is usually money or a limit.
He spends his weekends at his vegetable allotment.
Both are used in engineering and social contexts.
Allowance is an intentional difference; tolerance is the 'unintentional' but permitted error range.
The bridge has a high tolerance for heat.
Both are regular payments.
Stipends are usually for professional or academic roles; allowances are more general or for personal use.
The priest receives a small stipend from the church.
Both are sums of money given.
Grants are usually large, one-time sums for projects; allowances are small and regular.
The government gave a grant for the new library.
Both are limited amounts.
Rations are given during shortages (war/disaster); allowances are part of normal life.
The soldiers were on a strict water ration.
Sentence Patterns
I get [amount] allowance.
I get five pounds allowance.
My [type] allowance is [limit].
My baggage allowance is 20kg.
We should make allowance for [noun].
We should make allowance for the delay.
The company provides a [adjective] [type] allowance.
The company provides a generous housing allowance.
One must make allowance for the fact that [clause].
One must make allowance for the fact that the data is old.
The [technical term] allowance is critical for [process].
The machining allowance is critical for the final fit.
Is there an allowance for [noun]?
Is there an allowance for extra passengers?
Subject to the [type] allowance.
The payment is subject to the personal tax allowance.
Word Family
Nouns
Verbs
Adjectives
Related
How to Use It
Common in travel, finance, and parenting contexts.
-
I gave him allowance to leave early.
→
I gave him permission to leave early.
'Allowance' is a resource or limit; 'permission' is the act of allowing an action.
-
The baggage allowance is of 20kg.
→
The baggage allowance is 20kg.
You don't need 'of' when stating the amount directly after the noun in this context.
-
We must make allowance to his age.
→
We must make allowance for his age.
The idiom 'make allowance' always takes the preposition 'for'.
-
My monthly allowance is very high salary.
→
My monthly allowance is very generous.
'Allowance' and 'salary' are different things; don't use 'salary' as an adjective for allowance.
-
He allowance me to use his car.
→
He allowed me to use his car.
'Allowance' is a noun; 'allow' is the verb.
Tips
Use the right preposition
Always use 'for' after 'make allowance'. For example: 'Make allowance FOR the rain.' Do not use 'to' or 'of'.
Professionalism
In a workplace context, use 'allowance' to describe perks like travel or housing costs. It sounds more formal than 'extra pay'.
Check the weight
Always check your 'checked baggage allowance' vs your 'carry-on allowance'. They are usually different weights.
Be empathetic
Using 'make allowance for' shows you are a thoughtful person who considers others' struggles.
Tax Benefits
Understand your 'personal allowance' to ensure you aren't paying more tax than you should.
Avoid ambiguity
If you just say 'he gets an allowance', people might think he's a child. Specify 'travel allowance' or 'monthly allowance' for adults.
Stress the second syllable
Remember to say al-LOW-ance. Correct stress makes the word much easier for native speakers to recognize.
The 'Limit' Connection
If you ever forget the meaning, just think of a 'limit'. An allowance is almost always a limit of money or weight.
Generous vs Meager
Pair 'allowance' with 'generous' for a lot and 'meager' for a little. These are very common pairings in English.
Making Allowances
You can also say 'make allowances' (plural). Both 'make allowance for' and 'make allowances for' are correct.
Memorize It
Mnemonic
Think of 'Allow + ance'. You ALLOW a certain balANCE in the bank account or a certain balANCE on the luggage scale.
Visual Association
Imagine a child holding a small pile of coins in one hand and a suitcase on a scale in the other. Both represent an 'allowance'—a set amount given or permitted.
Word Web
Challenge
Try to use 'allowance' in three different ways today: once for money, once for a physical limit, and once in the phrase 'make allowance for'.
Word Origin
Derived from the Middle English word 'alouance', which came from the Old French 'alouance'. It is ultimately linked to the Latin 'allaudare' (to praise) and 'allocare' (to place/allocate).
Original meaning: The original meaning in the 14th century was 'praise' or 'approval'. It later shifted to mean 'sanction' or 'permission', and finally 'a sum granted'.
Indo-European (via Latin and French).Cultural Context
Be careful when discussing 'disability allowance' or 'unemployment allowance,' as these can be sensitive topics related to social welfare.
In the UK, 'pocket money' is more common for kids. In the US, 'allowance' is the dominant term.
Practice in Real Life
Real-World Contexts
Family and Parenting
- Earn an allowance
- Weekly pocket money
- Chores for allowance
- Save your allowance
Air Travel
- Checked baggage allowance
- Weight limit
- Carry-on allowance
- Exceed the limit
Business and HR
- Travel allowance
- Relocation package
- Car allowance
- Per diem
Finance and Tax
- Tax-free allowance
- Personal allowance
- Capital allowance
- Deductible amount
Social Interaction
- Make allowance for
- Be understanding
- Consider the situation
- Margin for error
Conversation Starters
"Did you get an allowance when you were a child, or did you have to work for your money?"
"How much baggage allowance do you usually need when you travel for a week?"
"Do you think parents should make allowance for their children's bad grades if they are stressed?"
"What kind of allowances do companies in your country typically offer to employees?"
"If you were a manager, how would you make allowance for a team member who is going through a hard time?"
Journal Prompts
Reflect on how your childhood allowance (or lack thereof) shaped your current relationship with money.
Describe a time when someone made allowance for a mistake you made. How did it make you feel?
Write about the pros and cons of strict baggage allowances on budget airlines.
Discuss whether government allowances for low-income families are effective in your society.
Imagine you are designing a new city. What kind of 'allowances' would you include for future growth and environmental changes?
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsNo, 'allowance' is a noun. The verb form is 'allow'. You cannot 'allowance' someone money; you 'give' them an allowance.
In American English, they are the same. In British English, 'pocket money' is for kids, while 'allowance' sounds more formal or adult.
It means to consider specific reasons or circumstances that might explain why something isn't perfect. For example, making allowance for a child's age when they are noisy.
Yes, they are synonyms in the context of flying. 'Allowance' is the more common term used by airlines.
It is the amount of money you can earn in a year before you have to start paying income tax to the government.
Yes, you can have a 'time allowance' for a task, meaning the maximum time you are permitted to spend on it.
Yes, you can have 'two allowances'. However, in the phrase 'make allowance for', it is often used in the singular.
It is money an employer gives you to pay for your own car, instead of the company giving you a car to drive.
Because it is the 'allowed' or intentional difference between the sizes of two parts that must fit together.
You would say: 'We must make allowance for her inexperience.' This means we shouldn't be too angry about her mistake.
Test Yourself 200 questions
Describe what you would do if you were given a $1000 monthly allowance for hobbies.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Write an email to an airline asking about their baggage allowance for musical instruments.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Explain the importance of 'making allowance for' cultural differences in international business.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Argue for or against the idea of giving children a regular allowance.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Describe a situation where you had to make allowance for someone's difficult circumstances.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Write a short paragraph about the benefits of a tax-free personal allowance.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Discuss how airlines could improve their baggage allowance policies.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Write a dialogue between a parent and a child about docking the child's allowance.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
How does a 'car allowance' differ from a 'company car'? Write a brief comparison.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Write a formal request for a travel allowance for an upcoming conference.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Describe the 'allowances' you make for yourself when you are feeling stressed.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
What are the social implications of 'disability allowances' in your country?
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Write a story about a traveler who exceeded their baggage allowance by 20kg.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Explain the concept of 'machining allowance' in a manufacturing context.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Discuss whether carbon allowances are an effective way to fight climate change.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Describe your ideal job's 'allowance' package (housing, travel, etc.).
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Write a letter of apology, asking the recipient to 'make allowance for' your recent behavior.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
How do you manage your own personal 'budget' vs 'allowance' for fun activities?
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Discuss the etymology of the word 'allowance' and how its meaning has changed.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Write a guide for students on how to live on a small monthly allowance.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Explain to a friend why they should check their baggage allowance before a flight.
Read this aloud:
You said:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Describe the system of allowances in your current or past job.
Read this aloud:
You said:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Talk about whether you think children should receive an allowance for doing chores.
Read this aloud:
You said:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Discuss a time you had to 'make allowance for' someone else's mistake.
Read this aloud:
You said:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Explain the concept of a 'tax-free allowance' to someone who doesn't know it.
Read this aloud:
You said:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Describe how you would manage a $50 daily allowance on a trip to London.
Read this aloud:
You said:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Talk about the pros and cons of 'carbon allowances' for big companies.
Read this aloud:
You said:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Tell a story about someone who ran out of their monthly allowance too quickly.
Read this aloud:
You said:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Discuss how 'allowances' for growth are important when buying things for children.
Read this aloud:
You said:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Explain why a judge might 'make allowance for' a person's background.
Read this aloud:
You said:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Talk about the different meanings of 'allowance' you have learned today.
Read this aloud:
You said:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Describe the 'allowance' you would give yourself for a new hobby (time/money).
Read this aloud:
You said:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Discuss the cultural differences in how people view children's allowances.
Read this aloud:
You said:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
How do you feel about strict baggage allowances on low-cost airlines?
Read this aloud:
You said:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Explain the phrase 'make allowance for' using three different examples.
Read this aloud:
You said:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Talk about a time you exceeded a limit (data, weight, or money).
Read this aloud:
You said:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Describe what a 'meager allowance' of food might look like in a survival situation.
Read this aloud:
You said:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Discuss why companies offer 'relocation allowances' to new employees.
Read this aloud:
You said:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Explain the role of 'allowances' in engineering and construction.
Read this aloud:
You said:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Tell a joke or a story involving a child and their first allowance.
Read this aloud:
You said:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Listen for the baggage allowance in the airport announcement: 'Passengers are reminded that the checked baggage allowance is 20kg.' What is the limit?
Listen to the parent: 'If you don't clean your room, I'm cutting your allowance by half.' How much money is lost?
Listen to the HR manager: 'We offer a $2000 annual clothing allowance for all customer-facing staff.' How often is it paid?
Listen to the news: 'The Chancellor announced that the personal allowance will be frozen for two years.' What is happening to the allowance?
Listen to the traveler: 'I had to pay $100 because I was over my allowance.' Why did they pay?
Listen to the teacher: 'I'll make allowance for your late submission since you were in the hospital.' Why is the teacher being kind?
Listen to the engineer: 'We need to increase the allowance between the gears to prevent friction.' What are they changing?
Listen to the child: 'I'm saving my allowance for a new Lego set.' What is the child doing with the money?
Listen to the radio: 'The disability allowance has been a lifeline for many families.' What is the 'lifeline'?
Listen to the boss: 'Your travel allowance will be included in your next paycheck.' Where will the money be?
Listen to the guide: 'The daily allowance for the tour is 50 euros for meals.' How much money is given for food?
Listen to the lawyer: 'The court must make allowance for the witness's age.' What should the court consider?
Listen to the phone message: 'You have used 90% of your data allowance.' How much data is left?
Listen to the podcast: 'Carbon allowances are traded like stocks on the open market.' What is being traded?
Listen to the friend: 'I'm so broke, I wish I still had an allowance from my parents!' Does the friend get money from their parents now?
I gave him an allowance to play games.
My baggage allowance are 20kg.
We must make allowance to the rain.
He allowance me to use his phone.
The tax allowance have increased.
I spent my pocket allowance on books.
The company provide a travel allowance.
She makes allowances of her friend's lateness.
Is there any allowance for extra luggage?
The daily food allowance are $30.
/ 200 correct
Perfect score!
Summary
An allowance is fundamentally a 'defined limit' or 'allocation.' Whether it's the $10 a child gets for chores, the 20kg limit for a suitcase, or the patience shown to a tired friend, it always involves a specific boundary or provision. Example: 'The company provides a monthly travel allowance.'
- A regular sum of money given for personal expenses or specific tasks.
- The maximum amount or weight of something that is officially allowed.
- A tax-free portion of income or a government-provided benefit payment.
- The act of considering circumstances when judging someone's actions or performance.
Use the right preposition
Always use 'for' after 'make allowance'. For example: 'Make allowance FOR the rain.' Do not use 'to' or 'of'.
Professionalism
In a workplace context, use 'allowance' to describe perks like travel or housing costs. It sounds more formal than 'extra pay'.
Check the weight
Always check your 'checked baggage allowance' vs your 'carry-on allowance'. They are usually different weights.
Be empathetic
Using 'make allowance for' shows you are a thoughtful person who considers others' struggles.
Example
When I was ten, my parents gave me a small weekly allowance for helping around the house.
Related Content
This Word in Other Languages
More Money words
accrue
C1To accumulate or be added periodically as an increase or benefit, especially in a financial or legal sense. It describes the process where something grows or builds up over time through natural or legal progression.
adsolvist
C1Characterized by a commitment to the total and final resolution of debts, obligations, or complex problems. In a specialized or test-specific context, it describes an approach that seeks a definitive end to a process through complete settlement.
affluent
C1Describes individuals, families, or areas that possess a great deal of money and wealth, resulting in a high standard of living. It is often used to characterize the social and economic status of neighborhoods or societies rather than just personal bank accounts.
afford
C1To have enough money or time to be able to do or buy something. In higher-level contexts, it also means to provide, yield, or supply someone with an opportunity, advantage, or a physical view.
affordability
B2Affordability refers to the extent to which something is cheap enough for people to be able to buy or pay for it. It specifically describes the relationship between the cost of an item or service and the financial means of the consumer.
annuity
B2A fixed sum of money paid to someone each year, typically for the rest of their life, often as part of a retirement plan. It is a financial product that provides a steady stream of income in exchange for an initial lump-sum payment.
appropriation
B2The act of taking something for one's own use, typically without the owner's permission, or the formal allocation of money for a specific purpose. It is frequently used in legal, political, and cultural discussions to describe the acquisition or setting aside of resources or ideas.
arbitrage
B2Arbitrage is the simultaneous purchase and sale of the same asset in different markets to profit from tiny differences in the asset's listed price. It is considered a way to exploit market inefficiencies while theoretically involving little to no risk.
arrears
C1Arrears refers to money that is overdue and remains unpaid after the expected date of payment. It is typically used to describe a debt that has accumulated over a period of time, such as rent, mortgage installments, or child support.
avarice
C1Avarice refers to an extreme and insatiable desire for wealth or material gain. It often carries a moral connotation, implying that the greed is excessive and leads to hoarding or unethical behavior.
