authorized to comment

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "authorized to comment" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when indicating that someone has permission or the right to provide their opinion or feedback on a particular matter. Example: "Only those who are authorized to comment on the project should participate in the discussion."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Mr. Prince said he was not authorized to comment.

The New York Times

The official spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to comment.

The New York Times

The official spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to comment publicly.

The New York Times

The official spoke on the condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to comment.

The New York Times

The person spoke on the condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to comment.

The New York Times

The investigator asked not to be identified because he was not authorized to comment.

The New York Times

Both officials spoke on the condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to comment publicly.

The New York Times

The sources spoke on the condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to comment.

The Washington Post

The official declined to be identified because he was not authorized to comment on the case.

The New York Times

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

The New York Times - Sports

That official was granted anonymity because he was not authorized to comment on the matter.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "authorized to comment", clearly define the scope of authorization. For example, specify the subject or context for which the person is authorized.

Common error

Avoid implying someone is "authorized to comment" without clear evidence. Always verify their authorization to prevent misrepresentation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "authorized to comment" functions as a descriptive phrase, indicating that someone has been granted the power or permission to give an opinion or statement. As shown in the Ludwig examples, this often appears in formal contexts where information dissemination is controlled.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Formal & Business

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "authorized to comment" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to indicate permission to speak on a matter. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is primarily found in News & Media and Formal & Business contexts, denoting a neutral to professional register. Common alternatives include "permitted to speak" and "delegated to respond". When using this phrase, clarify the scope of authorization to avoid ambiguity. Be cautious about implying authority without explicit approval. According to the provided examples, the expression is very common.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

permitted to speak

Focuses on the permission aspect rather than the official authorization.

given clearance to discuss

Highlights the act of obtaining approval before commenting.

cleared to make a statement

Similar to 'given clearance', implying prior approval.

allowed to disclose information

Emphasizes the act of revealing specific details.

approved to communicate

Focuses on the act of sharing information with approval.

empowered to give their opinion

Focuses on the individual's right to express a view.

sanctioned to address

Suggests a more formal and official approval to comment.

delegated to respond

Highlights that the person was given this task.

entitled to express views

Emphasizes the right or entitlement to offer an opinion.

entrusted with the responsibility to speak

Highlights the delegation of the task to someone.

FAQs

How can I use "authorized to comment" in a sentence?

You can use "authorized to comment" to indicate that someone has been given permission to speak on a particular matter. For example, "Only the CEO is "authorized to comment" on the merger."

What's a more formal alternative to "authorized to comment"?

A more formal alternative could be "sanctioned to address" or "delegated to respond", which suggests a higher level of official approval.

What does it mean when someone is "not authorized to comment"?

It means they do not have permission or the right to speak publicly about a specific topic or situation. It is often used to maintain confidentiality or control the flow of information.

Is it appropriate to ask someone if they are "authorized to comment"?

Yes, especially if you are a journalist or researcher seeking official information. However, be prepared for them to decline if they are indeed not "authorized to comment".