I was authorised

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I was authorised" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when indicating that someone has given you permission or approval to do something in the past. Example: "I was authorised to access the confidential files for the project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

I was authorised to use it; I could make payments up to £100,000, even more".

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

"I am authorised to detain you for up to nine hours," he said.

The Guardian - Opinion

Mr Blake said: "I am authorised to say by the claimant that he recognises some of the language associated with him in the past has caused offence and caused him problems, and he regrets that.

The Guardian

"Of course, I don't think it's authorised.

The Guardian

"Until I discovered the following day that there was no warrant, I had assumed the search was authorised by a search warrant.

The Guardian

"I called Brian and told him it was not something that was authorised by us.

BBC

Its replacement was authorised in 1956.

The Economist

It was authorised but not sanitised.

The Guardian - Sport

Unrestricted submarine warfare was authorised on 1 February 1917.

Independent

In 1663, the first turnpike was authorised to collect tolls.

The Economist

The prime minister added: "Nobody was authorised to name David Kelly.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "I was authorised", clearly state by whom and for what purpose the authorisation was given to provide context and avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid relying too heavily on passive voice constructions like "I was authorised". Whenever possible, rephrase to use active voice for more direct and impactful communication. For example, instead of "I was authorised to make the payment", consider "The manager authorised me to make the payment".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I was authorised" serves as a statement of permission or approval received by the speaker to perform a particular action. It uses the passive voice to emphasize that the authorization was granted to the speaker.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

33%

Formal & Business

33%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "I was authorised" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression indicating that the speaker received permission or approval to perform a specific action. As Ludwig AI explains, it conveys that authorization was granted, often by someone in a position of authority. While suitable for various contexts, including News & Media and Science, it is particularly well-suited for professional settings where clear communication of responsibility is crucial. While being a correct and usable expression you should pay attention to use the active voice in order to make it more direct and impactful. Understanding its meaning, appropriate usage, and potential alternatives can help improve the clarity and effectiveness of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I had authorization

Rephrases the sentence to use the noun form of authorization, emphasizing the state of having permission.

I received permission

Emphasizes the act of receiving permission, highlighting the granting of approval.

I was given the green light

An idiomatic expression indicating approval to proceed with something.

I was empowered

Suggests a greater degree of agency and capability conferred upon the speaker.

I was cleared

Implies having passed a necessary check or hurdle before being allowed to act.

I was certified

Indicates formal recognition of competence or qualification to perform a task.

I was mandated

Highlights a formal requirement or instruction to act.

I was sanctioned

Suggests formal approval, often in a context of regulation or law.

I was licensed

Implies permission granted by an authority to carry out a specific activity.

I had the go-ahead

An informal way to express receiving approval or permission.

FAQs

What does "I was authorised" mean?

The phrase "I was authorised" means that someone gave you permission or approval to do something. It implies that you had the necessary clearance or right to perform a specific action.

What can I say instead of "I was authorised"?

You can use alternatives like "I had authorization", "I received permission", or "I was given the green light" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "I was authorised" or "I am authorised"?

It depends on the context. "I was authorised" indicates that you received permission in the past. "I am authorised" indicates that you currently have permission. Choose the tense that accurately reflects the timing of the authorization.

What is the difference between "I was authorised" and "I was allowed"?

"I was authorised" usually implies a formal granting of permission, often by someone in a position of authority. "I was allowed" can be more general and may not necessarily involve a formal process. For example, "I was authorised to access the files" suggests a formal approval, while "I was allowed to leave early" suggests a less formal permission.