be allowed

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be allowed" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate permission or the possibility of something happening. Example: "Students must be allowed to express their opinions freely in class discussions."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

No amendments would be allowed.

The New York Times

Will phone calls be allowed?

The New York Times

This must not be allowed.

The New York Times

Obviously, this cannot be allowed.

The New Yorker

No imports would be allowed.

Independent

Alcohol should be allowed.

The New York Times

It wouldn't be allowed.

The Guardian - Opinion

"This shouldn't be allowed.

The New York Times

This cannot be allowed".

The Guardian

Exemptions cannot be allowed.

The Guardian - Opinion

Should it be allowed?

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "be allowed", ensure the sentence clearly indicates who is granting the permission or allowing the action. For instance, specify "Students should be allowed to use calculators" rather than a vague statement.

Common error

Avoid overgeneralizing permission. Instead of saying "Anything should be allowed," be specific about what actions or items are permitted and under what conditions. For example, "Only registered users should be allowed access to premium features."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be allowed" functions as a passive voice construction, indicating permission or possibility granted by an external authority. Ludwig's examples showcase how this phrase is used to denote what is permitted or not permitted in various situations.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

98%

Science

1%

Formal & Business

1%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "be allowed" is a versatile phrase used to indicate permission or possibility. As evidenced by Ludwig's numerous examples, it frequently appears in news and media, reflecting its relevance in discussing rules, regulations, and permitted actions. Ludwig AI confirms the grammatical correctness of this phrase. While generally neutral in register, the specific context determines the overall formality. To ensure clarity, always specify who is granting the permission. By understanding its function, purpose, and typical contexts, writers can effectively use "be allowed" to convey authorization and possibilities with precision.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be permitted

Uses a more formal synonym for "allowed", implying official authorization.

be authorized

Emphasizes that the permission comes from a position of authority.

be given permission

More explicit about the act of granting permission.

be entitled

Implies a right or qualification to do something.

have leave

A more formal or archaic way of saying "be allowed".

be enabled

Suggests that something is made possible or functional.

be sanctioned

Implies official approval or endorsement.

be tolerated

Suggests acceptance without enthusiasm.

be suffered

Indicates something is reluctantly permitted.

have the option

Highlights the existence of a choice or possibility.

FAQs

How can I use "be allowed" in a sentence?

Use "be allowed" to indicate that someone has permission to do something. For example, "Employees will be allowed to work from home twice a week" or "Visitors should be allowed access during visiting hours".

What are some alternatives to "be allowed"?

You can use alternatives like "be permitted", "be authorized", or "be given permission" depending on the context.

Which is correct: "be allowed to" or "be allowed in"?

The correct usage depends on the context. "Be allowed to" is followed by a verb, indicating permission to perform an action (e.g., "Students will be allowed to use the library"). "Be allowed in" indicates permission to enter a place (e.g., "Only members will be allowed in").

Is there a difference between "be allowed" and "be permitted"?

While both phrases indicate permission, "be permitted" ("be permitted") often carries a slightly more formal tone than "be allowed". The choice between them depends on the desired level of formality in your writing.