be allowed to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be allowed to" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is used to express permission to do something. For example: Students must be allowed to express their opinions freely.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

They shouldn't be allowed to land".

The Guardian

Chongzuo will not be allowed to die.

The Economist

Africa cannot be allowed to slide backwards.

The Economist

They should be allowed to fail".

The New York Times

They must not be allowed to succeed".

Independent

That must not be allowed to happen.

The New York Times

It cannot be allowed to happen.

The New York Times

Should he even be allowed to play?

The New York Times - Sports

Will we be allowed to do that?

The New York Times - Sports

But it cannot be allowed to prevail.

Independent

I should be allowed to murmur".

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "be allowed to", ensure the context clearly indicates who is granting the permission. For example, "Students should "be allowed to" express their opinions freely" is more effective than "Opinions should "be allowed to"."

Common error

Avoid using "be allowed to" in overly passive constructions where the actor is unclear. Instead of "Mistakes should "be allowed to", specify who is allowing them: "Teachers should "be allowed to" to make mistakes."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be allowed to" functions as a modal construction indicating permission or possibility. It is used to express that someone has the authorization or opportunity to perform a specific action. As Ludwig AI explains, the phrase "be allowed to" is correct and can be used in written English to express permission to do something.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "be allowed to" is a highly versatile and common phrase used to express permission or possibility. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread acceptance. While the phrase is appropriate for a broad range of contexts, it's advisable to ensure clarity by specifying who is granting permission. Consider alternatives like "be permitted to" or "have permission to" for subtly different shades of meaning. By understanding its function, purpose, and register, writers can effectively employ "be allowed to" in their communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be permitted to

Synonymous, but may carry a slightly more formal tone than the original phrase.

have permission to

Emphasizes the granting of permission from an authority.

be authorized to

Implies formal or official approval to perform an action.

be entitled to

Suggests a right or justified claim to do something.

be able to

Focuses on the capability or possibility rather than explicit permission.

can

A shorter, more informal way to express possibility or permission.

may

Another way to express permission, often used in formal contexts.

be given leave to

Implies that a formal request for permission has been granted.

be sanctioned to

Suggests that an action has been officially approved or endorsed.

be empowered to

Indicates being given the power or authority to do something.

FAQs

What does "be allowed to" mean?

The phrase "be allowed to" indicates that someone has permission or the opportunity to do something. It expresses that an action is not prohibited and is permitted by an authority or circumstance.

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

You can use "be allowed to" to express permission. For instance, "Employees must "be allowed to" take breaks" or "Only authorized personnel will "be permitted to" enter the facility."

What are some alternatives to "be allowed to"?

Alternatives include "be permitted to", "have permission to", or simply using "can" or "may" depending on the context and level of formality.

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

While both phrases express permission, "be allowed to" is generally more common and slightly less formal than "be permitted to", which often appears in more official or legal contexts.