Re: To non-native English writers: expunging the solecism "This allows to do something."

[Paul Eggert]

On 01/25/2016 07:13 AM, Rostislav Svoboda wrote:
> In contrast to that, meaning of both expressions:
>    this allows to do something
>    this allows [...] to do something
> is quite clear.

That may be, but English grammar is not entirely laissez faire. For 
non-native-English writers a good source for what constructions are 
allowed is:

http://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/allow

Just to make your head spin a bit more, “allows to” is OK when followed 
by an indirect object, even though the “to” could often be omitted in 
that case. For example:

"So far the object is not only lawful, but it is the mere exercise of a 
right which the law allows to every individual."

This is from Alexander Hamilton's 1791 opinion as to the 
constitutionality of the Bank of the United States. I wonder: would 
Hamilton have said the same thing about the GPL?