Allow

[Xinfu]

Could I use of?

-The societal context allowed __ expectations that are opposite.

I think using of is a must, and not using of is wrong, but my friend says both sound OK to him. Who is the correct one?

[Rusty]

Either no preposition should be used, or 'for' should be used.
What did the context allow? - It allowed expectations.
What did the context allow for? It allowed for expectations.

These don't mean the same thing.

[Xinfu]

Excellent answer. Thank you.
But do you not think 'allow' with 'of' means 'make sth possible'? If yes, then does it make sense to say 'make expectations possible'?

[Rusty]

I've never heard anyone use 'allow of' in American English. Perhaps it is British usage.

[Xinfu]

Excellent answer. Thank you.