allowed to sip

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "allowed to sip" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where permission is granted to drink a small amount of a beverage, often in a casual or informal setting. Example: "During the meeting, we were allowed to sip our coffee while discussing the agenda."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

I'm allowed to sip it.

The New York Times

But they do suggest that institutions should limit how much their leaders are allowed to sip from the seductive chalice of power.

The Guardian

The donors were allowed to sip water during the trial.

Chemistry Central Journal

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

Even then, when David was a boy, allowed to sit beside Dr. Hart, to sip at the wine if he wanted to, to receive an occasional fond pat on the back, he had recognized the difference between Dr. Hart and those others.

The New Yorker

Just as cupholders allowed drivers to sip coffee on their way to the office, these devices will allow them to work on their way to work.

The New York Times

Previous theories held that the birds' beaks were an adaptation that allowed them to sip nectar from flowers.

Huffington Post

The beer that the Harts would allow him to sip from time to time.

The New Yorker

Birds such as the hummingbirds of South and Central America and the flower-peckers of Asia have adaptations that allow them to sip nectar from flowers.

Encyclopedia Britannica

For the ethically-minded the Cork & Ceramic Teapot will allow you to sip away knowing you've invested in something made from sustainable material.

Independent

Verandas and outdoor cafes sprout up with the new flowers, allowing people to sip frosty beverages past midnight in the lingering northern sun.

The New York Times

A few weeks ago, a friend showed up for a run with a CamelBak — one of those humplike backpacks with a tube that allows you to sip liquid — and a belt containing food to eat along the way.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "allowed to sip" to clearly indicate that someone has permission to drink something slowly, especially in situations where there might be restrictions or specific instructions, like during a race or medical procedure.

Common error

Avoid using "allowed to sip" when describing situations where someone is compelled or forced to drink, as it implies consent or permission. For example, do not write "The prisoner was allowed to sip water", since that implies it was optional. It's better to say "The prisoner was given water."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "allowed to sip" functions as a verb phrase indicating permission or authorization to perform the action of sipping. Ludwig AI indicates this phrase is correct and usable in English. Examples include "The donors were allowed to sip water during the trial."

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

33%

Encyclopedias

17%

Less common in

Wiki

17%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "allowed to sip" is a grammatically sound verb phrase used to indicate that someone has been granted permission to drink something slowly. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's correct and usable in English. While its usage frequency is rare, it appears in diverse contexts, including news and science. When using this phrase, be mindful of implying consent and ensure it aligns with the situation described. Alternatives like "permitted to sip" can offer a more formal tone. The phrase's neutral register makes it suitable for various writing styles.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

permitted to sip

Replaces "allowed" with "permitted", offering a more formal tone while maintaining the core meaning.

authorized to sip

Substitutes "allowed" with "authorized", suggesting official approval to take small drinks.

may sip

Uses "may" to convey permission to drink slowly.

can sip

Employs "can" to indicate the ability or possibility to take sips.

able to sip

Focuses on the ability to sip, highlighting the capacity to drink in small amounts.

given permission to sip

Explicitly states that permission has been granted for sipping.

have leave to sip

Uses "have leave" to express formal permission to sip.

entitled to sip

Suggests that one has a right or entitlement to sip.

given the go-ahead to sip

Uses a more informal expression to indicate permission to sip.

free to sip

Indicates that there is no restriction on sipping.

FAQs

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

You can use "allowed to sip" to indicate permission to drink in small amounts. For example: "During the marathon, runners were "allowed to sip" water at designated stations."

What is a more formal alternative to "allowed to sip"?

A more formal alternative to "allowed to sip" is "permitted to drink". This phrase is suitable for official or professional contexts.

What's the difference between "allowed to sip" and "forced to drink"?

"Allowed to sip" implies permission and voluntary action, while "forced to drink" implies coercion and involuntary action. The first suggests consent, while the second suggests lack of it.

Is "allowed to sip" grammatically correct?

Yes, "allowed to sip" is grammatically correct. It follows the standard structure of "allowed to + infinitive verb".