allowed to say

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "allowed to say" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing permission or the right to express something. Example: "In this meeting, everyone is allowed to say their opinions freely without fear of judgment."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Film

Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He was not allowed to say no".

The New York Times

Am I allowed to say that?

The New Yorker

You're not allowed to say that!' Honestly.

Independent

I'm allowed to say that now.

The Washington Post

Am I allowed to say that yet?

The Guardian - Opinion

I'm just not allowed to say so.

The New York Times

But I'm not allowed to say".

The Guardian - Film

not being allowed to say everything.

The Guardian - Books

"You're not allowed to say nothing.

The New York Times

"Nobody is allowed to say anything.

The Guardian - Business

He was not allowed to say.

The Guardian - Tech

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When deciding to use "allowed to say," consider whether a more formal alternative like "permitted to express" or "authorized to disclose" might be more appropriate for the context.

Common error

Avoid using "allowed to say" to imply that something is true simply because someone is permitted to say it. Permission to speak doesn't guarantee the veracity of the statement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "allowed to say" functions as a modal phrase indicating permission or authorization to express something verbally. Ludwig shows that it commonly precedes a statement, clarifying that the speaker has the right to make that statement.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Film

7%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Science

4%

Travel

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "allowed to say" is a common and grammatically correct way to indicate that someone has permission or authorization to express something. Ludwig AI validates this through numerous examples from diverse sources. While generally neutral in register, it's useful to consider more formal alternatives like "permitted to speak" or "authorized to disclose" in strictly professional settings. Remember that just because someone is "allowed to say" something doesn't guarantee its truthfulness. Be mindful of the context and the potential for misinterpretation. The prevalence of "allowed to say" in news and media highlights its role in reporting on freedom of expression and restrictions thereof.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

permitted to speak

More formal and emphasizes official authorization.

authorized to disclose

Implies formal permission to reveal specific information.

entitled to mention

Suggests a right or justification for bringing something up.

able to articulate

Focuses on the ability to express something clearly and effectively.

free to express

Highlights the liberty and lack of restriction in voicing an opinion.

at liberty to divulge

Indicates freedom to share confidential or sensitive information.

given leave to state

Signifies formal approval or permission to make a statement.

have the floor to speak

Indicates the opportunity or right to address an audience or group.

can voice

Simple and direct alternative referring the chance to express an opinion.

have permission to add

Emphasizes having received explicit approval to contribute information.

FAQs

How can I use "allowed to say" correctly in a sentence?

Use "allowed to say" to indicate permission or authorization to express something. For example, "I am not "permitted to disclose" the details of the agreement."

What are some alternatives to "allowed to say"?

Depending on the context, you can use phrases like "permitted to speak", "authorized to disclose", or "entitled to mention".

Is there a difference between "allowed to say" and "able to say"?

"Allowed to say" implies permission, while "able to say" refers to the ability or capacity to express something. You might be "able to articulate" your thoughts but not "allowed to say" them due to confidentiality agreements.

When is it appropriate to use "allowed to say" in formal writing?

While generally acceptable, consider more formal alternatives like "permitted to speak" or "given leave to state" in highly formal or professional contexts. However, "allowed to say" is perfectly acceptable in most news and media contexts.