Permitted to

USAGE SUMMARY

"Permitted to" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it to indicate that someone has been given the authority or approval to do something. Example: "She is permitted to enter the restricted area." Alternative expressions include "allowed to" and "authorized to."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

China was not permitted to interfere.

Encyclopedia Britannica

I haven't been permitted to concentrate.

The New York Times - Sports

Junior monks are not permitted to read.

The New Yorker

"I am not permitted to gamble".

The New York Times

Women are not permitted to drive.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Microfinance companies are already permitted to operate.

The Economist

I was not even permitted to pray.

The New York Times

Siri: "I'm not permitted to prepare food".

Independent

Other organs & parts were permitted to degenerate.

The New Yorker

He is not permitted to practice.

The New York Times

Nor is Mr. Barrett permitted to date.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "permitted to" when you want to emphasize that an action is officially allowed or not prohibited by a rule or authority.

Common error

Avoid using "permitted to" when you actually mean someone is required or obligated to do something. "Permitted to" indicates allowance, not obligation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "permitted to" functions as a passive auxiliary construction, indicating that someone or something is granted authorization or allowance to perform a specific action. As Ludwig AI analysis confirms, it is used to express that an action is not prohibited and is officially sanctioned.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Science

28%

Encyclopedias

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "permitted to" is a versatile phrase used to indicate authorization or allowance. According to Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct and commonly used in various contexts, from news and media to scientific and formal writing. While often interchangeable with "allowed to", it generally conveys a more official or formal tone. Remember to use it to indicate allowance and not confuse it with phrases implying obligation. With its frequent appearance in authoritative sources like The New York Times and The Guardian, mastering the usage of "permitted to" will enhance the clarity and precision of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

allowed to

A direct synonym, often used interchangeably with "permitted to" but can sometimes imply less formality.

have permission to

More explicit about the act of granting permission, putting the emphasis on the authorization process.

authorized to

Implies formal approval or official sanction, suggesting a higher degree of authority than "permitted to".

given leave to

More formal and often used in legal or official contexts to indicate allowance.

empowered to

Suggests that someone has been given the power or authority to act, implying greater agency.

entitled to

Suggests a right or qualification to do something, which is a subtle difference from simply being allowed.

sanctioned to

Indicates official approval or endorsement, often implying moral or ethical backing.

at liberty to

A more formal and somewhat archaic way of saying "allowed to" or "free to".

free to

Indicates a lack of restriction, suggesting that one can do something without impediment.

able to

Focuses on capability or possibility, rather than explicit permission.

FAQs

What's the difference between "permitted to" and "allowed to"?

While often interchangeable, "permitted to" generally implies a more formal or official authorization, whereas "allowed to" can be more casual. The context usually dictates which is more appropriate.

When should I use "permitted to" instead of "authorized to"?

"Authorized to" implies a higher level of official approval or sanction than "permitted to". Use "authorized" when referring to actions backed by formal authority.

What are some alternatives to "permitted to" that sound more formal?

More formal alternatives include "given leave to", "sanctioned to", or stating that something "has permission to" occur.

Is "permitted to" ever incorrect to use?

"Permitted to" is generally correct, but avoid using it when implying an obligation. Instead, use phrases like "required to", "must", or "obligated to".