What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
allowance
Example
My parents give me a weekly allowance of $20. [allowance: noun]
Example
The company has a travel allowance policy that covers meals and lodging expenses. [allowance: noun]
Example
There is a 5% allowance for measurement discrepancies in this project. [allowance: noun]
allocation
Example
The allocation of funds for the project was approved by the board. [allocation: noun]
Example
The allocation of staff to different departments was based on their skills and experience. [allocation: noun]
Example
The allocation of time for each task was carefully planned to ensure timely completion of the project. [allocation: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Allocation is more commonly used than allowance in business and financial contexts. Allowance is more commonly used in personal or family contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between allowance and allocation?
Allocation is generally more formal than allowance, which can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
