allowed to do

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "allowed to do" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing permission or the right to perform a specific action. Example: "Students are allowed to do extra credit assignments to improve their grades."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Being allowed to do nothing.

Independent

Are they allowed to do that?

The New York Times

She was allowed to do this.

The New Yorker

Will we be allowed to do that?

The New York Times - Sports

He is not allowed to do so.

Independent

"You're not allowed to do that".

The New Yorker

Adults are allowed to do that.

The New York Times

I'm allowed to do it.

The Guardian - Arts

I think you're allowed to do that.

The Guardian - Music

Is he allowed to do this?

The New York Times

We are legitimately allowed to do that.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When indicating formal permissions or rules, use "allowed to do" followed by a clear and specific action. For instance, "Employees are allowed to do overtime to meet project deadlines."

Common error

Avoid using "allowed to do" in past or future tenses without proper verb conjugation. For example, instead of saying "He allowed to do that yesterday", say "He was allowed to do that yesterday".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "allowed to do" functions as an infinitive phrase, indicating permission or authorization to perform a specific action. Ludwig's examples show its usage across various contexts, from legal permissions to personal choices, indicating its versatility.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Wiki

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "allowed to do" is a versatile and commonly used expression that indicates permission or authorization to perform a specific action. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread use in various contexts, particularly in news and media. While "allowed to do" maintains a neutral register suitable for most situations, alternative phrases like "permitted to do" or "authorized to do" can add a degree of formality when needed. Remember to use the correct verb tense and structure to avoid common errors, and always ensure the context aligns with the intended meaning of permissibility rather than obligation or capability.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Permitted to do

Emphasizes formal authorization or consent, often by a higher authority. The degree of formality is slightly increased.

Authorized to do

Highlights the official approval or endorsement to perform an action, suggesting a legal or procedural basis.

Have authorization to do

Similar to "authorized to do", this phrase puts more emphasis on the state of possessing authorization.

Entitled to do

Focuses on having a right or legitimate claim to perform an action, based on law, policy, or inherent right.

Have the right to do

Directly asserts the legal or moral basis for performing an action, underlining the aspect of entitlement.

Sanctioned to do

Suggests an official endorsement or approval, often implying that the action is supported by a governing body or set of rules.

Given permission to do

Highlights the act of receiving consent or approval from someone in authority, putting emphasis on the granting of permission.

Legally able to do

Stresses the legal permissibility of an action, suggesting compliance with laws and regulations.

Free to do

Implies the absence of restrictions or limitations preventing one from performing an action, emphasizing autonomy.

Empowered to do

Indicates that someone has been given the power or authority to perform an action, often to achieve a specific goal.

FAQs

How can I use "allowed to do" in a sentence?

Use "allowed to do" to indicate permission or authorization to perform an action. For example, "Students are "allowed to use" calculators during the exam".

What are some alternatives to "allowed to do"?

You can use alternatives such as "permitted to do", "authorized to do", or "entitled to do", depending on the context.

Which is correct: "allowed to do" or "supposed to do"?

"Allowed to do" indicates permission, while "supposed to do" suggests obligation or expectation. The correct choice depends on the intended meaning.

What is the difference between "allowed to do" and "able to do"?

"Allowed to do" signifies that one has permission to perform an action, whereas "able to do" means one has the capacity or skill to perform it. One addresses permissibility, the other capability.