be cleared to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be cleared to" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used in contexts where someone is given permission or authorization to proceed with a task or action. Example: "Before you can start the project, you must be cleared to access the confidential files."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sports

General

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

Finally, he would be cleared to play.

The New York Times - Sports

The team expected him to be cleared to play within days.

The New York Times

"I think he'll be cleared to play like he was last week".

The New York Times - Sports

He said the company would be cleared to work on projects after the settlement was approved.

The New York Times

Unless the condition changes significantly, he could be cleared to play within days.

The New York Times - Sports

Lindros, who must be cleared to play, did not speak to reporters.

The New York Times - Sports

Whether he will be cleared to play tomorrow night in Toronto is unclear.

The New York Times - Sports

Then his doctors sent word: he was going to be cleared to go to work.

The New York Times - Arts

If things went well, Hampton might then be cleared to start on Tuesday in San Diego.

The New York Times - Sports

The immediate sense at City is that the former Arsenal player will be cleared to play.

The Guardian - Sport

Taxiways and service roads must also be cleared to allow planes to reach their gates and bags to be delivered.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "be cleared to" when an authority, such as a doctor, organization, or legal body, gives permission after meeting requirements.

Common error

Avoid assuming that being "cleared to" perform one action automatically extends to similar actions. A specific clearance is usually required for each distinct activity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be cleared to" functions as a modal verb phrase indicating permission, authorization, or eligibility. It signifies that an individual or entity has met the necessary requirements or received approval to perform a specific action. As Ludwig highlights, it's a standard expression.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Sports

30%

General

15%

Less common in

Science

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "be cleared to" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to indicate that someone has received permission or authorization to do something. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is widely used across various contexts, particularly in news, sports, and general reporting. The phrase's neutral to professional register makes it suitable for diverse communication needs. Consider using alternatives like "be authorized to" or "be permitted to" based on the desired level of formality. When using this phrase, ensure that the context clearly indicates the source and scope of the clearance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be authorized to

Implies a more formal granting of permission, often by an official body.

have permission to

Directly states that permission has been granted.

be permitted to

Similar to "be authorized to", but can also refer to general allowances rather than specific approvals.

be approved to

Indicates that something has met the necessary standards for authorization.

be allowed to

A more informal alternative, implying a lack of specific restrictions.

be sanctioned to

Similar to authorized but suggests the support of an authority.

be given the green light to

An idiomatic expression indicating approval to proceed.

be entitled to

Suggests a right or eligibility to do something, rather than a granted permission.

be eligible to

Indicates that someone meets the requirements to do something.

be qualified to

Highlights meeting the necessary criteria or conditions.

FAQs

What does "be cleared to" mean?

The phrase "be cleared to" means to be granted permission or authorization to do something, often after meeting specific requirements or passing certain evaluations.

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

You can use "be cleared to" to indicate someone has received approval, such as "The doctor said he would "be cleared to" play after the examination".

What are some alternatives to "be cleared to"?

Some alternatives include "be authorized to", "be permitted to", or "be allowed to". The best choice depends on the context.

Is "be cleared to" formal or informal?

"Be cleared to" is generally considered neutral in tone. More formal options include "be authorized to", while "be allowed to" is more informal.