he was permitted

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "he was permitted" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that someone was given permission to do something. Example: "After reviewing his application, the committee decided that he was permitted to attend the conference."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

He was permitted to visit twice.

The New York Times

He was permitted to return to Egypt in 1901.

Encyclopedia Britannica

In 1905 he was permitted to return to St . Petersburg

Encyclopedia Britannica

He was permitted four hours sleep every 16 hours.

The Guardian

He was permitted to take along his pet magazine.

The New Yorker

He was permitted exceptional access, unprecedented for a lay person.

The New York Times

He said he was held for more than 90 minutes before he was permitted to enter.

The New York Times

He was permitted to settle in England, where he remained until his death.

Encyclopedia Britannica

In the case of adultery, he was permitted to kill or maim her.

Encyclopedia Britannica

He lived in California until 1941, when he was permitted to return to Mexico.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Thus vindicated, he was permitted to take his seat; he served until 1929.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "he was permitted" to clearly indicate that someone received authorization or consent to perform a specific action. It's particularly useful in formal or official contexts where the granting of permission is noteworthy.

Common error

Avoid using "he was permitted" when the intended meaning is that he was required or obligated to do something. "Permitted" implies a choice, while "required" indicates a necessity. Choose the word that accurately reflects the situation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "he was permitted" functions as a passive voice construction, indicating that someone received authorization or consent to perform an action. Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness and usability in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Encyclopedias

25%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Science

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "he was permitted" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase to denote that someone received authorization or consent to perform a specific action. Ludwig confirms its validity, noting its common occurrence in news, encyclopedias, and other diverse contexts. While "he was allowed" serves as a close synonym, "he was permitted" carries a slightly more formal tone. It is crucial to differentiate permission from obligation when employing this phrase and select the wording that aligns precisely with the intended connotation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

he was allowed

A more common and direct synonym for "he was permitted".

he was authorized

Uses the verb 'authorized' in passive voice instead of 'permitted'.

he had authorization

Replaces "was permitted" with a noun form indicating possession of authority.

he was given leave

Employs the expression 'given leave' for a more formal tone.

he received clearance

Suggests a more formal process of approval, often used in security contexts.

he gained approval

Focuses on the act of obtaining approval rather than permission.

he had license

Implies a formal or legal permission to do something.

he secured consent

Highlights the act of securing consent, often used in legal or formal contexts.

he was entitled

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

he was enabled

Focuses on providing the means or opportunity to do something.

FAQs

What is the difference between "he was permitted" and "he was allowed"?

While both phrases convey the idea of granting permission, "he was permitted" often carries a slightly more formal or official tone compared to "he was allowed". The choice depends on the context and desired level of formality.

When is it appropriate to use "he was permitted"?

Use "he was permitted" when you want to emphasize that someone received official authorization or consent to do something, especially in formal, legal, or administrative contexts. For example, "He was permitted to enter the restricted area after showing his badge."

What are some alternative phrases for "he was permitted"?

Some alternative phrases include "he was authorized", "he was allowed", "he was given leave", and "he had permission". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is "he was permitted" grammatically correct?

Yes, "he was permitted" is grammatically correct. It's a passive construction of the verb "permit", indicating that someone was granted permission by an external authority or circumstance.