be allowed to know

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be allowed to know" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing permission or entitlement to access certain information. Example: "As a participant in the study, you will be allowed to know the results once they are finalized."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

24 human-written examples

After 40 years, perhaps she should be allowed to know him best.

The Economist

Surely they should be allowed to know what happens to it.

The Economist

And how much should the urban elite be allowed to know about how animals are transformed into meat?

The Guardian - Opinion

It depends entirely on where she is if she is going to be allowed to know what happens to the eggs.

Independent

Arguably, though, it was inevitable, a triumph of official opacity in a struggle of competing definitions of what the public should be allowed to know.

The New York Times

Unless it is necessary to withhold it, surely we should be allowed to know, for example, when the police are arresting people.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

36 human-written examples

Lynette is trying to guess; we're allowed to know.

The New Yorker

Is there anything we are allowed to know?

The Guardian - Music

Launch codes are split in two, and no single person is allowed to know both parts.

The New Yorker

That's more or less all that we're allowed to know for now.

The Guardian - Music

But consider what little we are allowed to know about police contempt for fundamental liberties.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "be allowed to know", ensure the context clearly indicates who is granting the permission or right to know and the specific information being referred to.

Common error

Avoid using "be allowed to know" when you simply mean "be able to know". "Allowed" implies permission, while "able" refers to capability. For example, "Citizens should be allowed to know how their taxes are spent" (permission), versus "With proper training, anyone can be able to know how to fly a plane" (ability).

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be allowed to know" functions primarily as a modal verb phrase indicating permission or entitlement to access information. As shown in Ludwig's examples, it's often used to express the idea that someone has the right or authorization to be informed about something.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Wiki

16%

Science

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "be allowed to know" commonly expresses the concept of having permission or entitlement to access certain information. Ludwig AI indicates that the phrase is grammatically sound and frequently used across various contexts, particularly in news and media. When using this phrase, ensure that the context clearly specifies who grants this permission and what information is being referred to. Alternatives like "be permitted to know" or "be authorized to know" can add a more formal tone, while focusing on ability rather than permission can be achieved by using be able to know. Understanding these subtle differences will enhance clarity and precision in writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be permitted to know

Replaces "allowed" with "permitted", a more formal synonym, maintaining the same core meaning of having permission.

be authorized to know

Substitutes "allowed" with "authorized", suggesting official approval or endorsement to know something.

be entitled to know

Uses "entitled" instead of "allowed", indicating a right or justified claim to know something.

have the right to know

Expresses the concept as a right rather than permission, emphasizing a stronger claim to the information.

be able to find out

Shifts the focus to the ability to discover information, rather than explicit permission.

be privy to

Implies being among a select group who have access to confidential or exclusive information.

have access to

Focuses on the practical ability to obtain or use information, rather than the granting of permission.

be informed of

Indicates the act of being told or notified about something, rather than actively seeking knowledge.

learn about

Focuses on the process of gaining knowledge through study or experience, rather than permission to know.

discover

Highlights the act of finding something out, often unexpectedly, rather than being explicitly allowed to know.

FAQs

What can I say instead of "be allowed to know"?

You can use alternatives like "be permitted to know", "be authorized to know", or "have the right to know", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is "be allowed to know" formal or informal?

"Be allowed to know" is generally considered neutral in register. More formal alternatives include "be permitted to know", while less formal options might involve phrasing such as "find out" or "learn about".

How do I use "be allowed to know" in a sentence?

Use "be allowed to know" to indicate that someone has permission or the right to access specific information. For example, "Employees should be allowed to know about changes to their benefits packages".

What's the difference between "be allowed to know" and "be able to know"?

"Be allowed to know" implies permission, whereas "be able to know" suggests capability or possibility. The first indicates someone grants access to information; the second simply means it's possible to find out.