allowed out

USAGE SUMMARY

'allowed out' is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it to indicate that some entity has been permitted or authorized to leave a particular place. For example, "After completing his homework, the child was allowed out to play."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Children are not allowed out.

The New York Times

"I wasn't allowed out anywhere.

The Guardian - Film

Would they be allowed out?

The New Yorker

After that I wasn't allowed out.

The Guardian

We were allowed out, but only just.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"I wasn't allowed out of my area.

The Guardian - Music

He should never be allowed out.

The Guardian

Then I wasn't allowed out at all.

The Guardian

The dead and injured are not allowed out, he said.

The Guardian

(The children are allowed out, if anyone will have them).

The New Yorker

Its inhabitants are not allowed out, even to shop.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "allowed out", ensure the context clearly indicates who granted the permission and from where the subject is being released. For example: "The children were "allowed out" to play in the garden after finishing their chores."

Common error

Avoid using incorrect prepositions after "allowed". It's generally "allowed out", not "allowed to out" or "allowed outside" unless 'outside' functions as an adverb. For example, it's correct to say "They were "allowed out"," but incorrect to say "They were allowed to out."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "allowed out" functions primarily as a passive verb construction, indicating that someone or something is granted permission to leave a specific location or situation. This is supported by Ludwig's examples, which showcase various scenarios where this phrase is used to denote such permission.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

69%

Science

13%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Academia

4%

Wiki

4%

Encyclopedias

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "allowed out" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase that indicates permission to leave a specific location or situation. As noted by Ludwig, its usage spans from news reporting to informal conversation, making it versatile but requiring attention to the context for appropriateness. Remember to use it correctly by ensuring the prepositional construction is accurate and the context clearly defines who is granting the permission. Consider "permitted to leave" or "authorized to exit" for more formal situations. This phrase works well for general communication across media platforms and writing styles.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

permitted to leave

Focuses on the formal permission aspect of leaving.

authorized to exit

Emphasizes the authorization to leave, often in a controlled environment.

given leave to go

Highlights the act of granting permission for departure.

granted permission to exit

Stresses formal approval to leave.

free to go out

Focuses on the freedom and absence of restriction to leave.

released from confinement

Highlights the end of a restrictive situation.

given the green light to depart

Uses an idiomatic expression to indicate approval to leave.

sanctioned to exit

Indicates official approval or endorsement to leave.

given clearance to leave

Suggests a formal process of being cleared to depart.

empowered to move out

Emphasizes that someone has been given the power or ability to leave.

FAQs

How can I use "allowed out" in a sentence?

The phrase "allowed out" indicates permission to leave a place. For instance, "The prisoners were "allowed out" for exercise" means they had permission to leave their cells for exercise.

What is a formal alternative to "allowed out"?

In more formal contexts, consider using alternatives such as "permitted to leave" or "authorized to exit". These phrases convey a similar meaning with a more official tone.

Is "allowed out" grammatically correct?

Yes, "allowed out" is grammatically correct and widely used, particularly in informal and news contexts. However, always ensure the context is appropriate for the level of formality.

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

"Allowed out" often implies a temporary release or permission to leave a specific confined area, while "permitted to go" can be more general and doesn't necessarily imply confinement beforehand.