What Does โAdmit of sthโ Mean?
โAdmit of sthโ means to allow or be capable of something, especially a possibility or option. It is often used to indicate whether a situation or thing can accept a particular condition or explanation.
Introduction
The phrase โadmit of sthโ is a formal English expression used mainly in written and spoken contexts to describe whether something allows for a certain possibility or interpretation. The โsthโ stands for โsomething,โ meaning it can refer to any idea, condition, or option. Understanding the admit of sth meaning helps English learners grasp when and how to express the capacity or allowance of situations or things. This phrase is common in academic, legal, and formal discussions where subtlety and precision are important. Knowing how to use โadmit of sthโ correctly will improve your ability to explain possibilities and limitations clearly.
Quick Info Box
- Phrasal Verb: admit of something
- Type: Intransitive (does not take a direct object)
- Level: C1 (Advanced)
- Short Meaning: to allow or be capable of something
Structure (Grammar Rules)
โAdmit ofโ is an inseparable phrasal verb, which means you cannot place words between โadmitโ and โof.โ
Structure pattern:
- Subject + admit of + something (noun or noun phrase)
Example: The plan admits of no delay.
Note: โAdmit ofโ is always followed by a noun or noun phrase indicating what is allowed or possible.
Examples
- The situation admits of several interpretations.
- This argument admits of no doubt.
- The design admits of easy modification.
- Her explanation admits of a different point of view.
- The law admits of exceptions in special cases.
Here are some examples of admit of sth in a sentence to show how it indicates possibility or allowance.
Common Mistakes
- Incorrect: The problem admits a solution.
Correct: The problem admits of a solution. - Incorrect: This case admits no exception.
Correct: This case admits of no exception. - Incorrect: Admit of can be separated by something.
Correct: Admit of is inseparable.
Differences / Synonyms
Similar phrases include โallow,โ โpermit,โ and โaccept,โ but โadmit ofโ is more formal and often used in abstract or formal contexts.
- Allow: More general, everyday use. โThe rules allow this.โ
- Permit: Formal, but often used for giving permission. โThe law permits it.โ
- Admit of: Used to express whether something can logically or practically accept a condition. โThe case admits of no appeal.โ
Unlike โallowโ or โpermit,โ โadmit ofโ expresses the possibility or capacity of something rather than permission.
Common Collocations
- Admit of no doubt
- Admit of exceptions
- Admit of different interpretations
- Admit of alternative explanations
- Admit of modification
Real-life Dialogue
Anna: Does this plan admit of any changes if needed?
Ben: Unfortunately, it admits of no changes once itโs approved.
Anna: That makes it quite strict, then.
Ben: Yes, we must be sure before finalizing it.
Practice
Fill in the blank with the correct phrase:
The contract __________ no room for negotiation.
- a) admits
- b) admits of
- c) admit
- d) admit to
Answer: b) admits of
FAQs
- Q: Is โadmit ofโ separable?
A: No, โadmit ofโ is inseparable and must stay together. - Q: Can โadmit ofโ be used in everyday conversation?
A: It is more common in formal or written English but can be used in speech. - Q: What does โsthโ mean in โadmit of sthโ?
A: โSthโ stands for โsomething,โ meaning any noun or idea. - Q: Is โadmit ofโ similar to โallowโ?
A: They are similar, but โadmit ofโ is more formal and used to express possibility. - Q: Can โadmit ofโ be followed by verbs?
A: No, it should be followed by a noun or noun phrase.
