he is allowed

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "he is allowed" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that someone has permission to do something. Example: "He is allowed to participate in the competition after meeting all the requirements."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

He is allowed to ask for books.

The New York Times

"He is allowed, we are not," she said.

The New Yorker

He is allowed to play during the appeal process.

The New York Times - Sports

He is allowed to go to public areas.

The New York Times - Sports

He is allowed to bring a friend for support.

The New York Times - Books

He is allowed a shower every two days.

The New York Times - Sports

He is allowed to play tomorrow against Kansas City.

The New York Times - Sports

"But I establish with each patient how many visits he is allowed to my practice".

The New Yorker

For one hour a day, he is allowed to walk around a room in shackles.

The New York Times

He is allowed to work, but it is unclear what will happen to his construction business.

The New York Times

If he is allowed to express his sorrow he will find a final acceptance much easier".

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "he is allowed", ensure the context clearly specifies who is granting the permission and what the limitations, if any, are. For example, "He is allowed to use the company car, but only for business purposes."

Common error

Be careful not to confuse "allowed", which means permitted, with "aloud", which means audibly. A common error is writing "He read the letter allowed" when you mean "He read the letter aloud."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "he is allowed" functions as a passive construction indicating that a subject has been granted permission or authorization to perform an action. This is supported by Ludwig, which provides numerous examples of this usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Science

20%

Encyclopedias

6%

Less common in

Wiki

6%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "he is allowed" is a common and grammatically correct way to express that someone has permission or authorization to do something. As confirmed by Ludwig, this phrase is frequently found in news and media contexts. While generally neutral in tone, its alternatives, such as "he is permitted", can provide a more formal nuance. It's important to avoid confusing "allowed" with "aloud". Understanding these nuances allows for more precise and effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

he is permitted

This alternative uses "permitted", which is a more formal synonym for "allowed", indicating official or explicit consent.

he has authorization

This phrase implies that "he" has received formal approval or clearance to do something, emphasizing the official nature of the permission.

he is authorized

Similar to "he has authorization", this passive construction highlights the official or legal granting of permission.

he is entitled to

This suggests that "he" has a right or legitimate claim to something, rather than merely being permitted.

he has the right to

This alternative emphasizes that "he" possesses a legal or moral entitlement to take a certain action.

he is free to

This suggests that there are no restrictions preventing "him" from doing something.

he may

This alternative suggests possibility and permission but is generally more formal than "he is allowed".

he is capable of

This focuses on "his" ability or capacity to do something, rather than explicit permission.

he is able to

Similar to "he is capable of", it indicates "his" ability but is more direct and less formal.

he can

This is a more concise and informal way of expressing ability or permission.

FAQs

How can I use "he is allowed" in a sentence?

Use "he is allowed" to indicate that someone has permission or the right to do something. For example, "He is allowed to participate in the competition" or "He is allowed to express his opinion freely".

What's a more formal way to say "he is allowed"?

A more formal alternative is "he is permitted", which suggests official or explicit consent. You could also use "he is authorized".

What's the difference between "he is allowed" and "he is able"?

"He is allowed" indicates permission, whereas "he is able" indicates capability. For example, "He is allowed to drive the car" means he has permission, while "He is able to drive the car" means he has the skill.

What can I say instead of "he is allowed" to emphasize his right to do something?

To emphasize someone's right, use "he is entitled to" or "he has the right to". These alternatives suggest a legitimate claim, not just permission.