are allowed to operate

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "are allowed to operate" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate permission or authorization for someone or something to function or perform a task. Example: "Only licensed drivers are allowed to operate a vehicle on public roads."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Detecting which uses are legitimate and which are examples of abuse is especially hard because these operations are allowed to operate with a considerable degree of privacy.

The New York Times

And now major oil and gas operations are allowed to operate on reserves containing their villages.

BBC

Femtocells only in the outer region are allowed to operate in the cochannel operation for more efficient cell search.

EURASIP Journal on Wireless Communications and Networking

"Nevertheless, market forces are allowed to operate".

The New York Times

Only workgroup administrators are allowed to operate on a workgroup.

Stanford University

Even in places where they are allowed to operate, the Western oil companies face growing problems.

The New York Times

Bingo became legal only last year, and only charitable groups are allowed to operate a parlour.

The Economist

This process often means that antisocial users are allowed to operate for much longer than necessary.

MIT Technology Review

There are tough engineering challenges for driverless cars to overcome before they are allowed to operate.

The Guardian - Opinion

Nor does the bureau issue operating specifications for its airlines, delineating, for example, what equipment they are allowed to operate.

The New York Times

Some of the rebel groups have close ties to Mr. Déby and are allowed to operate freely in Chad.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing regulations or rules, use "are allowed to operate" to clearly indicate which entities or activities are officially permitted.

Common error

Avoid using "are allowed to operate" when you actually mean "are able to operate". "Allowed" indicates permission, while "able" indicates capability. For example, say "These devices are able to operate in extreme temperatures" instead of "are allowed" if you're referring to their technical capacity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are allowed to operate" functions as a modal verb phrase that expresses permission or authorization. Ludwig's examples demonstrate its use in diverse contexts, from legal permissions to technical specifications.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Science

37%

Academia

8%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "are allowed to operate" is a versatile phrase used to express permission or authorization across various domains. As indicated by Ludwig, this phrase is grammatically sound and frequently appears in authoritative sources such as news outlets, scientific publications, and academic texts. While the phrase is used correctly across contexts, differentiating between "allowed" and "able" is critical for conveying the intended meaning. Whether discussing regulatory compliance or technical specifications, understanding the nuances of this phrase will enhance clarity and precision in written communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

are permitted to function

Replaces "allowed" with "permitted", suggesting a more formal tone.

are authorized to work

Substitutes "operate" with "work", focusing on the action of performing tasks.

have the right to operate

Emphasizes the legal or moral entitlement to perform an action.

are entitled to function

Similar to 'have the right', implies a formal or legal authorization.

are capable of operating

Focuses on the capability rather than the permission to operate.

can be used

Simplifies the phrasing to indicate usability within certain parameters.

are designed for operation

Highlights the intended purpose or design for a specific action.

can function

Emphasizes the ability to perform, rather than the permission.

are empowered to act

Focuses on the authority and power granted to perform specific actions.

may be operated

Uses "may" to indicate possibility or permission.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "are allowed to operate" for formal writing?

In formal contexts, you can use more precise alternatives like "are authorized to function", "are permitted to operate", or "have the right to function" depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

What does it mean when something "is allowed to operate"?

It means that something has been granted the permission or authorization to function or perform a specific action. The permission is often granted by an authority or regulation.

Is there a difference between "are allowed to operate" and "are required to operate"?

"Are allowed to operate" suggests permission, meaning it's permissible but not mandatory. In contrast, "are required to operate" indicates an obligation or necessity to function.

Can I use "are allowed to operate" in a technical manual?

Yes, "are allowed to operate" is suitable for technical manuals to explain under what conditions certain equipment or devices can be used, especially concerning safety regulations or operational limitations.