be authorized

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be authorized" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when indicating that someone has received permission or approval to do something. Example: "Only individuals who have been properly trained and have been authorized may access the secure area."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

All your trips abroad will have to be authorized by a higher authority".

The New York Times

Present your plan to the relevant authorities, for it to be authorized.

WikiHow

"One must be authorized to perform the rite, and must do it in an authorized manner.

The New Yorker

Only then would exports be authorized.

The New York Times

But no new loans will be authorized.

The New York Times

Many more miles may be authorized in the coming weeks.

The New York Times

There was never a chance that it would be authorized".

The New Yorker

Access to the names may be authorized by the N.S.A.

The New York Times

Workers wear identification badges, and visitors must be authorized.

The New York Times

Non-exempt employees cannot be authorized to work unpaid overtime.

Stanford University

International peacekeeping forces may be authorized to keep warring parties apart pending further negotiations.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "be authorized" when emphasizing that a formal process or specific permission is required before an action can be taken. It conveys a sense of legitimacy and adherence to rules or protocols.

Common error

Avoid using "be authorized" when the active voice is more appropriate and direct. For example, instead of "The manager must be authorized by the director", use "The director must authorize the manager" if the emphasis is on the director's action.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be authorized" functions as a passive verb phrase, indicating that someone or something receives permission or power to perform a specific action. Ludwig examples show it being used to describe who can access secure areas or perform specific tasks. It emphasizes the state of having received authority.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

37%

Science

34%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

4%

Formal & Business

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "be authorized" is a commonly used passive verb phrase that indicates that someone or something has received permission or power to perform a specific action. As noted by Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct and versatile, appearing in various contexts from news and media to scientific literature. When writing, remember to use "be authorized" when emphasizing the receipt of permission rather than the act of granting it, and consider alternatives like "be permitted" or "be approved" for subtle shifts in meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be permitted

Implies formal consent or allowance, often by rules or regulations.

be allowed

Suggests a general permission, often less formal than "permitted".

be approved

Highlights that something has received official endorsement or agreement.

be sanctioned

Indicates a formal approval, often implying an endorsement by an authority.

be empowered

Focuses on the granting of power or ability to do something.

be entitled

Suggests a legal or moral right to do something.

be cleared

Implies that something has passed a necessary check or approval process.

be licensed

Indicates formal permission to perform a specific activity, often regulated by law.

have permission

A more direct way of stating that consent has been given.

be given authority

Emphasizes the granting of specific power or control.

FAQs

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

You can use "be authorized" to indicate that someone or something has been given permission or the legal right to do something. For example, "Only trained personnel can "be authorized" to operate this equipment".

What is a good alternative to "be authorized"?

Depending on the context, alternatives to "be authorized" include "be permitted", "be allowed", or "be approved". Each of these options conveys a slightly different nuance of permission or approval.

What's the difference between "be authorized" and "authorize"?

"Authorize" is an active verb meaning to give permission or approval. "Be authorized" is the passive form, indicating that permission has been received. For example, "The committee must authorize the project" versus "The project must "be authorized" by the committee".

When is it appropriate to use "be authorized" instead of "authorize"?

Use "be authorized" when you want to emphasize the recipient of the authorization rather than the giver. This passive construction is useful when the action is more important than who is granting the permission.