be allowed to see

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be allowed to see" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing permission or access to view something. Example: "I hope to be allowed to see the final report before it is published."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

What would he be allowed to see?

The New Yorker

What wouldn't he be allowed to see?

The New Yorker

They insist that only the victims' families should be allowed to see his execution.

The New York Times

It was four days before they would be allowed to see the body.

The Guardian

They should never be allowed to see a sunset or a sunrise.

The Guardian

Metts, then twenty-four, learned that he wouldn't be allowed to see his daughter.

The New Yorker

His oldest brother, Danny, 23, was hoping to be allowed to see him on Monday.

The Guardian

TURQUOISE Only when your lesions turns this color will you be allowed to see a doctor.

The New Yorker

And the spectators must not be allowed to see too much.

The Guardian - Opinion

We should be allowed to see him in love, and in conflict.

The New Yorker

For a trial period, she would be allowed to see her daughter twice a week.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about access to information or events, consider the level of formality required. Use "be permitted to see" in formal contexts and "be allowed to see" in neutral or informal contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "be allowed to see" interchangeably with modals like "should", "must", or "can" if the intent is not about permission. "Be allowed to see" specifically indicates permission, whereas other modals express obligation or ability.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be allowed to see" functions as a passive construction indicating permission or authorization to view something. It expresses that someone is granted the right or opportunity to see something, as demonstrated by Ludwig's examples where journalists are granted access or individuals seek permission to view documents.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "be allowed to see" is a common and grammatically correct construction used to express permission or opportunity to view something. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is suitable for various contexts, particularly in news, media, and scientific writing. While generally neutral in tone, the specific context might warrant more formal alternatives like "be permitted to view". The frequent usage and clear meaning make "be allowed to see" a reliable choice for conveying access or permission in both written and spoken English.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be permitted to view

Replaces "allowed" with "permitted", offering a more formal tone while retaining the core meaning of granting permission.

have permission to see

Emphasizes the possession of permission, subtly shifting the focus from the act of allowing to the state of having authorization.

be authorized to access

Focuses on the authorization aspect, implying that viewing is contingent upon having the right credentials or permissions.

be granted access to

Highlights the act of access being granted, often implying a formal process or system.

be entitled to see

Indicates a right or entitlement to view, often due to a pre-existing agreement or policy.

have the opportunity to view

Shifts the focus to the chance or occasion to see, rather than explicit permission.

be given the chance to see

Similar to "have the opportunity", but with a slightly more active sense of being given something.

be eligible to view

Focuses on meeting the necessary requirements or qualifications to be able to see something.

be able to watch

Replaces "see" with "watch", suggesting a more active and sustained form of viewing.

have eyes on

More idiomatic and informal way of saying 'to see', implying a surveillance or monitoring.

FAQs

What does "be allowed to see" mean?

The phrase "be allowed to see" means to have permission or the opportunity to view something. It implies that there is no prohibition or restriction preventing someone from seeing it.

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

You can use alternatives like "be permitted to view", "be authorized to access", or "have permission to see" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "was allowed to seeing"?

No, the correct form is "was allowed to see". The phrase "be allowed to" requires the base form of the verb (see), not the gerund (seeing).

How to use "be allowed to see" in a sentence?

You can use it to express that someone has been granted permission to view something, like: "Journalists will "be allowed to see" some areas of Tivoli Gardens".