I was permitted

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I was permitted" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when indicating that someone was given permission to do something in the past. Example: "I was permitted to leave the meeting early due to a family emergency."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

45 human-written examples

I was permitted to visit the loo twice a day.

The Guardian

"Because of the accelerated learning process," she recalled, "I was permitted to ask questions, while other apprentices simply worked silently".

The New York Times - Arts

I saw this myself when I was permitted to observe a D.C.D. procedure at the University of Massachusetts hospital.

The New York Times - Magazine

It wasn't until my teens that I was permitted to discover games as immersive storyworlds to enjoy.

The Guardian - Opinion

When I testified before the grand jury, I was permitted to read a statement I had written expressing my discomfort at disclosing confidential conversations with news sources.

The Washington Post

"Forty-eight years ago I was permitted to sit in the gallery of the great Lincoln convention, and saw Lincoln nominated.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

15 human-written examples

Self-loops (Φ i, Φ i ) are permitted and correspond to positive paths of the form [ A i, B j, A i ].

BMC Systems Biology

May I be permitted..

Yale University

Suitably chastened, I'm permitted to go for a wee.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

"I am a duke and I am permitted to be pompous.

The Guardian

Will I be permitted to do a loft conversion which is a fire hazard?

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "I was permitted", ensure the context clearly indicates who granted the permission and under what conditions. This adds clarity and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

While "permitted" and "allowed" are similar, "permitted" often implies a more formal or official granting of permission. Using "allowed" in contexts where "permitted" is more appropriate can sound less professional.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "I was permitted" is to indicate a passive voice construction where the subject ("I") received permission to perform an action. This phrase highlights that someone or something external granted the permission, as shown in examples provided by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

76%

Academia

14%

Science

10%

Less common in

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "I was permitted" is a common and grammatically sound way to express that one received authorization or consent to perform a certain action. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is acceptable in written English. Its usage spans various contexts, including news, academic writing, and general communication. While "I was permitted" is often interchangeable with "I was allowed", it frequently carries a slightly more formal tone. When using this phrase, ensure the source of permission and the specific conditions are clear to avoid ambiguity. While acceptable in most settings, a more formal option like "I was granted authorization" exists for especially professional contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I had authorization

Emphasizes having official approval or sanction.

I received approval

Focuses on the act of getting approval from someone.

I was given leave

Implies a formal granting of permission, often in professional settings.

I was granted access

Specifically denotes permission to enter or use something.

I had the go-ahead

Suggests informal permission or a green light to proceed.

I was cleared

Implies being officially allowed or approved after scrutiny.

I was empowered

Suggests being given the authority or power to act.

I was sanctioned

Indicates official permission or endorsement, often by an authority.

I was entitled

Suggests a right or justification for something.

I was conceded the right

Highlights the act of someone acknowledging and granting a right.

FAQs

How can I use "I was permitted" in a sentence?

Use "I was permitted" to express that you received formal or official consent to do something. For example, "I was permitted to observe the procedure" or "I was permitted to ask questions during the session".

What is a more formal alternative to "I was permitted"?

A more formal alternative could be "I was granted authorization". This phrase emphasizes the official nature of the permission.

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

You can use alternatives like "I was allowed", "I received permission", or "I was authorized" depending on the context.

Is "I was permitted to" the same as "I was allowed to"?

While similar, "I was permitted to" often suggests a more formal or official granting of permission compared to "I was allowed to". The choice depends on the context and desired level of formality.