are not authorized

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "are not authorized" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that someone does not have permission or the right to do something. Example: "Employees are not authorized to access confidential files without proper clearance."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Generally, bankruptcy courts are not authorized to conduct jury trials.

The New York Times - Sports

"We are not authorized to go into the data.

The Guardian

"They are not authorized to advertise on it".

The New York Times

"Shareholders are not authorized to make these repairs".

The New York Times

PAUL: Programs like this are not authorized under the Constitution.

The New York Times

His contract was with CIA analysts, who are not authorized to conduct intelligence operations.

The Guardian

2. Courts are not authorized in civil enforcement proceedings to punish antitrust defendants.

The New York Times

Both also have many media assistants who are not authorized to talk to reporters.

The New York Times

C.B.P. agents are not authorized to evaluate the validity of the fear expressed.

The New Yorker

The executives were granted anonymity because they are not authorized to comment on another team's operations.

The New York Times - Sports

Because testing procedures are subject to federal regulations, individual supervisors are not authorized to administer tests.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "are not authorized", ensure clarity regarding who or what lacks authorization and the specific action or access being restricted. This prevents ambiguity and ensures the message is easily understood.

Common error

Avoid using "are not authorized" without specifying the context. For example, instead of saying "Employees are not authorized", clarify with "Employees are not authorized to access customer data without supervisor approval".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are not authorized" functions as a restrictive expression, indicating a lack of permission or legitimate power to perform a specific action. Ludwig AI confirms its common use in specifying limitations, as seen in examples where actions or access are explicitly prohibited.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Academia

31%

Science

22%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Formal & Business

1%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "are not authorized" is a grammatically sound and very common expression used to denote a lack of permission or official approval. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is frequently used across various domains, including news, academia, and science. It is most appropriate for formal or neutral contexts where clarity and precision are required. When using this phrase, it is best practice to specify who or what lacks authorization and what specific action is being restricted to avoid any ambiguity. Related phrases include "lack authorization" and "do not have permission", offering alternative ways to express similar restrictions. Avoid overgeneralization by always specifying the context of the authorization. With its widespread use and clear meaning, "are not authorized" remains a valuable tool for expressing limitations and restrictions in both formal and informal communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

lack authorization

Focuses on the absence of official permission.

do not have permission

Emphasizes the absence of explicit consent.

are prohibited

Highlights a formal ban or restriction.

are forbidden

Similar to prohibited, but can carry a stronger connotation.

are not allowed

Indicates that something is not permitted.

are not entitled

Suggests a lack of right or claim.

are ineligible

Focuses on not meeting the required qualifications or conditions.

are precluded

Emphasizes that something is prevented or made impossible.

are restricted

Highlights limitations or constraints.

cannot

Implies an inability or lack of capacity, often due to restrictions.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "are not authorized" to sound more formal?

You can use more formal alternatives like "lack authorization", "are prohibited", or "are not permitted" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey. Remember to consider the context and choose the phrase that best fits the tone and audience.

What's the difference between "are not authorized" and "are not allowed"?

"Are not authorized" typically implies a lack of official permission or legal right, while "are not allowed" is a broader term that can encompass any kind of prohibition, whether formal or informal. The first is used to express there is no authorization to do something, the second one simply means that some action has not been allowed.

When is it appropriate to use "are not authorized" in writing?

It's appropriate to use "are not authorized" when you need to clearly state that someone or something does not have the necessary permission or approval to perform a specific action, access certain information, or exercise a particular right. For example in legal documents, company policies or official announcements.

Can I use "are not authorized" interchangeably with "do not have permission"?

Yes, "are not authorized" and "do not have permission" are often interchangeable, but "are not authorized" has a more formal and official tone. "Do not have permission" can be used in more informal contexts.