allowed to understand

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "allowed to understand" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing permissions or the ability to comprehend something, often in contexts involving rules or limitations. Example: "In this course, students are allowed to understand the material at their own pace without pressure."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

23 human-written examples

For once, we are allowed to understand and perhaps identify with the contradictory impulses that jerk Hedda Gabler through life.

The New York Times

A versatile parameter, ρ, not only allowed to understand practical enhancements, but also to guide the fitting of experimental results to theory.

Electrochimica Acta

And we are allowed to understand this man in ways he doesn't himself, which is one of the luxuries of good theater.

The New York Times

It is useful, he allowed, to understand the needs of an actress facing an awards show, or a socialite with, say, an upcoming engagement party.

The New Yorker

As a result, the reader is both privy to the protagonist's innermost thoughts and yet often allowed to understand the implications of events that the boy (and later man) is not yet aware of himself.

The New Yorker

When the novel's third section is given over to Harry, for instance, it seems that we are being allowed to understand his constitutional fury and exasperation – yet we soon find him more violent in his thoughts than we ever imagined.

The Guardian - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

37 human-written examples

By his definition, friends are people you take the time to understand and allow to understand you.

The New York Times

First, such an integration allows to understand the design context in which models have been used.

Computer Aided Chemical Engineering

It allows to understand and to evaluate the business in taking into account its environment (for example the economic context).

International Journal of Production Economics

These evidences and the consequent description of the resulting surface architecture allow to understand the results of catalytic evaluation tests.

Applied Catalysis A: General

By this, we provide a new flexible model that allows to understand collaboration patterns.

EPJ Data Science

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "allowed to understand" when you want to emphasize that someone has the opportunity or permission to comprehend something, particularly in situations where such understanding might otherwise be restricted or prevented.

Common error

Avoid using "allowed to understand" when "understanding" alone suffices. The phrase implies a specific permission or enabling factor that isn't always necessary. For instance, instead of saying "Students are allowed to understand the basics", you can often say "Students understand the basics" if no explicit permission is involved.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "allowed to understand" functions as an infinitive phrase, often acting as an adjectival modifier describing a state of being permitted or enabled to comprehend something. Ludwig provides examples where this construction clarifies that understanding is contingent upon specific circumstances or permissions.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

40%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Academia

10%

Reference

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "allowed to understand" is a grammatically correct infinitive phrase denoting permission or opportunity to comprehend, as validated by Ludwig AI. While its frequency is uncommon, it finds appropriate usage across news, scientific, and formal contexts. When using this phrase, it's important to ensure it accurately conveys a specific granting of permission or enabling condition for understanding; otherwise, the simpler form "understand" may suffice. The alternatives, such as "permitted to grasp" or "authorized to comprehend", can further refine the intended meaning and tone.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

permitted to grasp

A more formal alternative, emphasizing official permission.

authorized to comprehend

Highlights the legitimacy and official nature of understanding.

able to comprehend

Focuses on the capability or ability to understand, rather than permission.

given leave to understand

Emphasizes that permission has been granted specifically for understanding.

enabled to understand

Highlights the provision of necessary means or opportunities for understanding.

in a position to understand

Suggests the creation of favorable circumstances for understanding.

have the capacity to understand

Focuses on inherent potential rather than granted permission.

empowered to understand

Highlights the enabling or authorization of comprehension.

left to understand

This phrasing is more about the act of allowing comprehension, often implies a passive allowance.

given the opportunity to understand

Focuses on the chance or occasion provided for understanding.

FAQs

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

You can use "allowed to understand" to indicate permission or opportunity to comprehend something. For example, "The new policy "allowed employees to" understand the company's financial situation."

What's the difference between "allowed to understand" and "able to understand"?

"Allowed to understand" implies permission or opportunity, whereas "able to understand" focuses on capacity or capability. "The teacher "allowed students to" understand the complex equation" suggests the teacher created an environment for comprehension. "The students were "able to understand" it" indicates they possessed the skills to do so.

Are there formal alternatives to "allowed to understand"?

Yes, more formal alternatives include "permitted to comprehend", "authorized to grasp", or "given leave to understand". These options are suitable for professional or academic contexts where a more elevated tone is desired.

When is it better to use "understand" instead of "allowed to understand"?

If no explicit permission, opportunity, or enabling factor is involved, it's more concise and direct to simply use "understand". For example, instead of "They were "allowed to understand" the concept", you can say "They understood the concept" if no barrier to understanding existed.