The Plural of ‘Allowance’: Rules, Usage, and Common Mistakes Explained

by

Have you ever wondered how to correctly form and use the plural of the word allowance? Whether you are a student, a business professional, or an English language learner, understanding the correct use of allowance and its plural, allowances, is essential for clear and effective communication.

Allowance is a common noun with multiple meanings, from money given for personal expenses to permitted amounts in various contexts. Using the right plural form is vital in academic writing, business correspondence, legal documents, and everyday conversation. This comprehensive article will guide you through the rules, structural patterns, exceptions, usage examples, and common mistakes related to the pluralization of allowance.

Scope: In this article, you’ll find definitions, grammar rules, pronunciation notes, example sentences, tables, practice exercises, and advanced insights into pluralization. We target learners at all levels, teachers, editors, and anyone seeking mastery in English grammar.

Table of Contents

3. DEFINITION SECTION

3.1 What is an ‘Allowance’?

Allowance is a countable noun in English. It refers to something given or permitted, often as a specific amount or concession. Here are its most common meanings:

  • Monetary payment: A sum of money given regularly, especially to children or employees.
  • Permitted amount: The amount of something that is allowed, such as baggage allowance.
  • Concession or deduction: A reduction in tax or other obligations, e.g., a tax allowance.
Different Meanings of “Allowance” with Example Sentences
Meaning Example Sentence
Monetary payment Her parents give her a weekly allowance.
Permitted amount The airline’s baggage allowance is 23 kg per passenger.
Deduction/concession You can claim a tax allowance for work expenses.

3.2 Plural Forms in English Grammar

A plural noun refers to more than one person, place, thing, or idea. In English, most countable nouns form the plural by adding -s or -es. Since allowance is a regular, countable noun, it follows the standard rules for pluralization.

3.3 Plural of ‘Allowance’ Defined

The standard plural form of allowance is allowances.

  • Singular: allowance /əˈlaʊəns/
  • Plural: allowances /əˈlaʊənsɪz/
Singular vs. Plural Forms of “Allowance”
Singular Plural IPA Pronunciation
allowance allowances /əˈlaʊəns/ → /əˈlaʊənsɪz/

4. STRUCTURAL BREAKDOWN

4.1 Regular Plural Formation Rules

Most English nouns form the plural by adding -s. If a noun ends in -e, simply add -s. For allowance:

  1. Start with the base word: allowance
  2. Add -s: allowances

Rule: allowance + s = allowances

4.2 Syllable and Stress Patterns

Syllabification: al-low-ance (3 syllables), al-low-anc-es (4 syllables)
Stress placement: The primary stress remains on the second syllable in both forms: al-LOW-ance and al-LOW-anc-es.

4.3 Spelling and Pronunciation Notes

  • Spelling: There are no changes or irregularities. The plural simply adds -s.
  • Pronunciation: The plural adds an extra syllable:

    • allowance: /əˈlaʊəns/
    • allowances: /əˈlaʊənsɪz/

4.4 Grammatical Function in Sentences

“Allowances” can serve as the subject, object, or complement in a sentence.

Grammatical Roles of “Allowances” in Sentences
Role Example Sentence
Subject Allowances are reviewed annually.
Object She receives three different allowances.
Complement Their main concern is the new allowances.

4.5 Contexts of Use

  • Financial: Employee allowances, children’s pocket money
  • Academic: Research or travel allowances for students
  • Business: Expense allowances, per diem
  • Legal: Tax allowances, statutory allowances
  • Informal: Family allowances, weekly allowances for chores

5. TYPES OR CATEGORIES

5.1 Types of “Allowance” by Meaning

  • Monetary allowances: Regular payments for expenses (e.g., pocket money, stipends)
  • Permitted quantities: Authorized amounts (e.g., baggage, weight, time)
  • Deductions/concessions: Reductions in obligations (e.g., tax, social security)
Categories of Allowance with Plural Usage Examples
Category Plural Usage Example
Monetary Many companies offer travel allowances to employees.
Permitted Quantity Different airlines have different baggage allowances.
Deduction/Concession Tax allowances are revised every fiscal year.

5.2 Countable vs. Uncountable Contexts

  • Countable: In almost all modern uses, allowance is countable (one allowance, several allowances).
  • Uncountable: Historical or rare; e.g., “He made allowance for her lateness,” meaning consideration. In such cases, pluralization is not standard.

Note: Use the plural allowances only when referring to countable items.

5.3 Common Collocations with “Allowances”

  • Travel allowances
  • Meal allowances
  • Personal allowances
  • Tax allowances
  • Baggage allowances
  • Housing allowances
Common Collocations and Their Plurals
Singular Collocation Plural Collocation Example Sentence
travel allowance travel allowances All team members receive travel allowances for conferences.
meal allowance meal allowances Meal allowances have increased this year.
personal allowance personal allowances Personal allowances vary by country.
tax allowance tax allowances There are several tax allowances available for families.

6. EXAMPLES SECTION

6.1 Basic Pluralization Examples

  • He receives an allowance each month. / They receive allowances each month.
  • This allowance is for travel. / These allowances are for travel.
  • The new allowance applies to all employees. / The new allowances apply to all employees.
  • My daughter gets an allowance. / My children get allowances.
  • One allowance is not enough. / Multiple allowances are sometimes necessary.
  • Her allowance is generous. / Their allowances are generous.
  • Each student has an allowance. / All students have allowances.
  • I requested an allowance. / I requested several allowances.
  • The allowance covers expenses. / The allowances cover different expenses.
  • She forgot about her allowance. / They forgot about their allowances.

6.2 Examples by Category

6.2.1 Monetary Allowances

  • They receive weekly allowances from their parents.
  • Employees are entitled to meal allowances.
  • Children often spend their allowances on toys.
  • Different jobs come with different allowances.
  • Summer interns are given travel allowances.
  • Her monthly allowances are deposited directly into her account.
  • His allowances include both housing and transport.
  • Some companies offer education allowances for employees’ children.
  • Allowances for remote workers are increasing.
  • All staff members have their own allowances.

6.2.2 Permitted Amounts

  • Airlines have different baggage allowances on international flights.
  • Water allowances are stricter during a drought.
  • There are weight allowances for each shipment.
  • Import allowances differ depending on the country.
  • The company set time allowances for each project phase.
  • We exceeded our monthly data allowances.
  • Students have print allowances for the semester.
  • Parking allowances are determined by department.
  • All passengers must comply with their luggage allowances.
  • Utility companies offer energy allowances to customers.

6.2.3 Tax/Deduction Allowances

  • Tax allowances differ by country.
  • There are extra allowances for senior citizens.
  • Childcare allowances are available for working parents.
  • Some tax allowances are non-refundable.
  • The government announced new personal allowances.
  • Business owners can claim several allowances.
  • Allowance rates are reviewed with other tax allowances.
  • Employees can apply for additional allowances.
  • Different allowances apply to married couples.
  • The tax form lists all the available allowances.

6.3 Plural in Different Tenses and Structures

  • Present: Allowances are provided to all employees.
  • Past: Allowances were increased last year.
  • Future: Allowances will be reviewed next month.
  • Modal: You may claim multiple allowances.
  • Present perfect: They have received their allowances.
  • Past perfect: By then, all allowances had been distributed.
  • Future perfect: All allowances will have been processed by December.
  • Conditional: If allowances were higher, more students would apply.
  • Negative: Not all allowances are taxable.
  • Interrogative: Which allowances are you eligible for?
“Allowances” in Various Tenses
Tense/Structure Example Sentence
Simple Present Allowances change every year.
Simple Past Allowances expired last month.
Simple Future Allowances will increase next year.
Present Continuous Allowances are changing due to inflation.
Present Perfect Allowances have been distributed.
Past Perfect Allowances had already been approved.
Future Perfect Allowances will have changed by then.
Modal (can/may) You can claim multiple allowances.
Passive Allowances are calculated by the finance team.

6.4 Complex Sentences and Formal Usage

  • All allowances provided under this agreement are subject to annual review and adjustment.
  • While the company offers various allowances, employees must apply for each separately.
  • Allowances that exceed the prescribed limits may be subject to taxation.
  • Failure to submit the required documentation will result in the suspension of all allowances.
  • In accordance with company policy, allowances are not transferable between departments.

Examples from business/legal documents:

  • Travel allowances shall be paid upon receipt submission, as per Section 4.2 of this agreement.
  • All allowances are governed by the company’s compensation guidelines.
  • Allowances for hazardous duty are outlined in Appendix B.
  • The following allowances are applicable to employees stationed abroad.
  • Allowances will be prorated according to the duration of employment.
Table 1: Singular vs. Plural in Context
Singular Plural Context
Her allowance is $10 per week. Their allowances are $10 and $15 per week. Monetary
The allowance is generous. The allowances are generous. General
This allowance applies to travel only. These allowances apply to travel and meals. Business
The baggage allowance is 20 kg. Baggage allowances vary by airline. Permitted Amount
Your tax allowance has increased. Tax allowances have increased. Legal/Tax
Table 2: Allowance Types and Example Sentences
Type Example Sentence
Monetary Interns receive monthly allowances for transportation.
Permitted Amount Different data allowances are offered by each provider.
Deduction/Concession Employees benefit from several allowances in tax calculations.
Table 3: Collocations with “Allowances”
Collocation Example Sentence
housing allowances Expatriates are given housing allowances.
educational allowances Teachers may receive educational allowances.
transport allowances Transport allowances are adjusted for inflation.
energy allowances Energy allowances help reduce utility costs.
personal allowances Personal allowances have increased this year.
Table 4: Tense Conjugation Examples
Tense Example with “allowances”
Present Simple Allowances are determined by management.
Past Simple Allowances were reviewed last week.
Future Simple Allowances will change next quarter.
Present Perfect Allowances have increased over time.
Conditional If allowances were higher, more people would apply.
Table 5: Correct and Incorrect Usage
Incorrect Correct Explanation
The allowances is generous. The allowances are generous. Subject-verb agreement error
Each student have an allowance. Each student has an allowance. Verb agreement with singular noun
Much allowances are provided. Many allowances are provided. Wrong quantifier for plural countable noun
He gets several allowance. He gets several allowances. Plural needed after “several”
They receives allowances. They receive allowances. Verb form error

7. USAGE RULES

7.1 When to Use the Plural Form

  • Use allowances when referring to more than one type or instance of allowance.
    Example: “The company offers several allowances.”
  • Plural is triggered by numbers, quantifiers (many, several), or reference to multiple people.

7.2 Singular vs. Plural Agreement

  • Singular: allowance is, his/her allowance
  • Plural: allowances are, their allowances
Subject-Verb Agreement with “Allowance/Allowances”
Subject Verb Example
Allowance is The allowance is generous.
Allowances are The allowances are generous.

7.3 Quantifiers and Determiners

Use quantifiers that pair with countable nouns:

  • Many allowances
  • Several allowances
  • Few allowances
  • Some allowances
  • All allowances

Examples: “Many allowances are available.” / “Few allowances meet our criteria.”

7.4 Articles and Adjectives

  • Indefinite article: an allowance
  • Definite article: the allowance / the allowances
  • Adjectives: generous allowances, additional allowances, specific allowances

Examples: “She has an allowance.” / “These are generous allowances.”

7.5 Special Usage Cases

  • When “allowances” refers to different kinds (e.g., travel and meal allowances), or multiple instances for different people or occasions.

    Example: “He receives both housing and transport allowances.”

7.6 Exceptions and Irregularities

  • There are no standard irregular plural forms of allowance in modern English.
  • Rare, archaic, or domain-specific collective uses may exist but do not affect standard pluralization.

8. COMMON MISTAKES

8.1 Singular/Plural Confusion

  • Incorrect: She receives allowances every month. (if referring to one)

    Correct: She receives an allowance every month.
  • Incorrect: He gets an allowance for travel and meals. (if two types)

    Correct: He gets allowances for travel and meals.

8.2 Spelling Errors

  • allowence
  • allowences
  • alowances
  • alowence
Common Misspellings and Corrections
Incorrect Correct
allowence allowance
allowences allowances
alowances allowances
alowence allowance

8.3 Misuse in Quantitative Contexts

  • Incorrect: Much allowances are given.
    Correct: Many allowances are given.
  • Incorrect: A few allowance
    Correct: A few allowances

8.4 Verb Agreement Errors

  • Incorrect: Allowances is provided.
    Correct: Allowances are provided.
  • Incorrect: The allowances needs approval.
    Correct: The allowances need approval.

8.5 Misunderstanding Collocations

  • Incorrect: He gets meal and travel allowance.
    Correct: He gets meal and travel allowances.
  • Incorrect: Personal allowances is important.
    Correct: Personal allowances are important.

8.6 Contextual Errors

  • Using the plural in uncountable or idiomatic contexts.
    Incorrect: He made allowances for her lateness. (if referring to a single act of consideration)
    Correct: He made allowance for her lateness.

9. PRACTICE EXERCISES

9.1 Fill-in-the-Blank

Choose “allowance” or “allowances” to complete each sentence.

  1. Each employee receives an __________ for lunch.
  2. The company provides different __________ for travel and meals.
  3. Students can apply for multiple __________.
  4. This __________ is for transportation costs only.
  5. Several __________ are available to international staff.
  6. My parents give me a weekly __________.
  7. Some __________ are taxable, while others are not.
  8. He requested an additional __________ for internet expenses.
  9. The committee reviewed all submitted __________.
  10. Her __________ is higher than mine.

9.2 Correction Exercise

Each sentence contains a pluralization error. Correct them.

  1. Allowances is distributed monthly.
  2. She has many allowance.
  3. Much allowances are offered this year.
  4. The allowances needs approval.
  5. He receives several allowance every month.
  6. The travel and meal allowance are generous.
  7. Personal allowances is complicated.
  8. There is many allowances for students.
  9. Everyone receives their allowances at the same time.
  10. They applies for more allowances.

9.3 Identification Exercise

Identify if the noun is used correctly as singular or plural. Write “Correct” or “Incorrect”.

  1. These allowances are for travel only.
  2. Each child gets their own allowances.
  3. Tax allowances differ by region.
  4. He wants to increase his allowance.
  5. Many allowance are available.
  6. Her allowances have been approved.
  7. The allowance are listed below.
  8. Several allowances expire soon.
  9. One allowance is not enough.
  10. All allowances is paid annually.

9.4 Sentence Construction

Create a sentence using the plural “allowances” in each context:

  1. Monetary (pocket money, stipend)
  2. Permitted amount (baggage, weight)
  3. Tax/deduction
  4. Business travel
  5. Legal or formal document

9.5 Table-Based Exercise

Match the Context to the Correct Plural Form
Context Singular or Plural? Correct Form
Many types of travel ________
One child’s ________
Several staff ________
This ________ is generous.
Multiple tax ________

9.6 Answer Key

9.1 Fill-in-the-Blank Answers:

  1. allowance
  2. allowances
  3. allowances
  4. allowance
  5. allowances
  6. allowance
  7. allowances
  8. allowance
  9. allowances
  10. allowance

9.2 Correction Exercise Answers:

  1. Allowances are distributed monthly.
  2. She has many allowances.
  3. Many allowances are offered this year.
  4. The allowances need approval.
  5. He receives several allowances every month.
  6. The travel and meal allowances are generous.
  7. Personal allowances are complicated.
  8. There are many allowances for students.
  9. Everyone receives their allowance at the same time. (if one per person) / allowances (if more than one)
  10. They apply for more allowances.

9.3 Identification Exercise Answers:

  1. Correct
  2. Incorrect
  3. Correct
  4. Correct
  5. Incorrect
  6. Correct
  7. Incorrect
  8. Correct
  9. Correct
  10. Incorrect

9.4 Sample Sentences:

  1. My parents give us weekly allowances.
  2. Baggage allowances vary by airline.
  3. Tax allowances can reduce your taxable income.
  4. We received travel and accommodation allowances for the conference.
  5. All allowances listed herein are subject to approval by management.

9.5 Table-Based Exercise Answers:

Many types of travel ________ Plural allowances
One child’s ________ Singular allowance
Several staff ________ Plural allowances
This ________ is generous. Singular allowance
Multiple tax ________ Plural allowances

10. ADVANCED TOPICS

10.1 Historical and Etymological Insights

The word allowance comes from the Old French alouance, meaning a granting. It has been used in English since the 14th century, with regular pluralization established early. The base verb is allow, with the noun form following standard plural rules.

10.2 Corpus Analysis: Usage in Modern English

In modern English corpora, allowances is frequent in business, legal, and educational texts. The plural form is more common when listing multiple types or instances.

Corpus Data on “Allowances” Usage
Context Frequency (%) Typical Collocations
Business 40% travel allowances, expense allowances
Legal/Tax 30% tax allowances, personal allowances
Education 15% student allowances, research allowances
General 15% monthly allowances, various allowances

10.3 Pluralization in Legal, Financial, and Technical Contexts

  • Legal: “Allowances” often refers to different statutory or regulatory concessions (e.g., various types of tax allowances).
  • Financial: Used to refer to multiple payment types or benefits.
  • Technical: In engineering, “allowances” can refer to different types of permissible variations.

10.4 Regional and Dialectal Variations

  • No significant regional variation in pluralization between British and American English. However, personal allowance (UK tax term) is sometimes used only in the singular.

10.5 Idiomatic and Figurative Uses

  • Make allowances for (someone/something): To consider or allow for circumstances or difficulties.

    Example: “We must make allowances for his inexperience.”
  • Plural in idioms: The plural is used when referring to multiple considerations.

    Example: “They made allowances for both his age and his health.”

11. FAQ SECTION

  1. What is the plural of “allowance”?
    The plural is allowances.
  2. Can “allowance” ever be uncountable and not take a plural?
    Rarely, in idiomatic or archaic uses, but not in modern standard contexts.
  3. Are there any irregular plural forms of “allowance”?
    No, “allowances” is regular.
  4. How do I use “allowances” in a sentence correctly?
    Use “allowances” when referring to more than one type or instance. Example: “Students receive allowances for books and travel.”
  5. What are common mistakes when pluralizing “allowance”?
    Using the wrong quantifier (“much allowances”), verb agreement errors (“allowances is”), or incorrect spellings (“allowences”).
  6. When should I use “allowances” instead of “allowance”?
    When referencing more than one allowance, either for different people or types.
  7. How do I distinguish between different types of allowances in plural form?
    Use the plural for multiple types: “meal and travel allowances.”
  8. Is “allowances” used differently in British and American English?
    No significant difference, though some set phrases may be more common in one variety.
  9. Can “allowances” be used with quantifiers like “much,” “many,” or “several”?
    Yes, but only with quantifiers for countable nouns: “many allowances,” “several allowances.”
  10. What is the difference between “allowances” and “allotments”?
    “Allowances” are permissions or sums granted; “allotments” are portions distributed.
  11. How is subject-verb agreement handled with “allowances”?
    Use plural verbs: “allowances are…”
  12. Are there idiomatic expressions that use the plural “allowances”?
    Yes, such as “make allowances for,” especially when considering multiple factors.

12. CONCLUSION

In summary, the noun allowance forms its plural regularly as allowances. This rule is consistent across all modern English contexts, from casual conversation to formal business and legal writing. Remember to use the plural when discussing more than one type or instance, and always check for proper verb and quantifier agreement.

Key takeaways include:

  • Regular pluralization (allowance → allowances)
  • Use with countable contexts and appropriate quantifiers
  • Watch for subject-verb agreement (allowances are)
  • Avoid common spelling and usage errors
  • Practice with varied examples and contexts

For further mastery, review the exercises above and explore related grammar topics, such as countable and uncountable nouns, quantifiers, and collocations. Mastering the plural of allowance will improve your clarity in writing, speaking, and comprehension across all areas of English.

Leave a Comment