if it is allowed

USAGE SUMMARY

"if it is allowed" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to ask for permission to do something. For example, "Can I take a break if it is allowed?".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

There has been much discussion in recent months about what might take its place if it is allowed to be demolished.

The New York Times

Remember that Scotland may well be required to commit to euro adoption by the EU (if it is allowed to keep its membership, which is far from certain).

The Economist

This ratio, which is already almost double that of China, is going to devastate the American economy if it is allowed to continue on its current trajectory.

Huffington Post

If it is allowed to come crashing down, it will be virtually impossible to replace.

The New York Times

If it is allowed to rise too fast, exporters will suffer.

The New York Times

So can NASDAQ bid much higher if it is allowed to?

The Economist

If it is allowed to collect in basements or other confined areas, dangerous conditions may arise.

Encyclopedia Britannica

If it is allowed, the thinking goes, there will soon be just two local carriers.

The Economist

The next one, if it is allowed to happen, may make Syria look modest by comparison.

The Guardian - Opinion

They have awakened a sense of possibility in Navalny's campaign, if it is allowed to proceed.

The New Yorker

In the past PdVSA has proposed an overhaul, but only if it is allowed to buy the refinery.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "if it is allowed", ensure the context clearly indicates who or what authority grants the permission. This avoids ambiguity and makes the sentence more precise.

Common error

Avoid using "if it is allowed" without specifying the limits or conditions of the permission. For example, saying "You can use this tool if it is allowed" is vague; instead, clarify with "You can use this tool if it is allowed by your supervisor and within company guidelines."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "if it is allowed" functions as an adverbial clause of condition, modifying the main clause by introducing a condition that must be met for the action in the main clause to occur. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

36%

Wiki

20%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Science

16%

Formal & Business

10%

Reference

8%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "if it is allowed" is a versatile and frequently used phrase that introduces a conditional element based on permission. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage and indicates its prevalence across a diverse range of sources. This phrase is useful in expressing contingency, with its formality adaptable to various contexts, though it benefits from clarity regarding the authority granting the permission. Common usage patterns show it's most often found in News & Media, Encyclopedias, and Wiki sources, highlighting its broad applicability. Remember to consider synonyms like "if permitted" or "subject to approval" for stylistic variation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

if permitted

Replaces "allowed" with a synonym, maintaining the conditional meaning.

subject to approval

Briefly states the dependence on receiving approval.

if authorized

Implies a more formal approval, suggesting official sanction.

should it be approved

Inverts the sentence structure for a slightly more formal tone.

assuming it is permissible

Adds a layer of assumption about the permissibility of the action.

in the event that it's cleared

Introduces a sense of possibility and clearance needed for action.

provided that it is sanctioned

Emphasizes a condition based on formal approval or endorsement.

if there is no objection

Shifts the focus to the absence of opposition as the condition.

contingent on its approval

Highlights the dependency of the action on a future approval.

on the condition that it's okay

Uses more informal language to express the conditional nature.

FAQs

How to use "if it is allowed" in a sentence?

You can use "if it is allowed" to express a condition or permission, such as, "I will participate in the event "if it is allowed" by my doctor."

What can I say instead of "if it is allowed"?

Alternatives include "if permitted", "provided that", or "subject to approval" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "if it is allowed" or "if it was allowed"?

Both are grammatically correct, but "if it is allowed" refers to present or future permission, while "if it was allowed" refers to permission in the past. For example, "I will go to the party if it is allowed" versus "I would have gone to the party if it was allowed".

What's the difference between "if it is allowed" and "only if it is allowed"?

"If it is allowed" indicates a general condition, whereas "only if it is allowed" emphasizes that the permission is the sole condition. The latter stresses exclusivity.