if we were allowed

USAGE SUMMARY

The sentence "If we were allowed" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it any time when talking about something that is not allowed or not possible, either in the present or past tense. For example: If we were allowed to bring outside food into the movie theater, we could save a lot of money.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

40 human-written examples

And, perhaps, we would be better off if we were allowed to pay for it.

The New York Times

Imagine if we were allowed to come back from the dead for one ordinary day and see ourselves.

The New Yorker

If we were allowed to, it just might prove to be a better experience for the patient.

The Guardian

"We could have traded, we could have made the market more efficient, if we were allowed to," Mr. Steiner said.

The New York Times

"The truth is that even if we were allowed to bring resources there is nothing left to give.

The Guardian

"If we were allowed to release it, we're confident it would be approved by peer review and be published".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

20 human-written examples

Mr Dickens knew that our Industrial Revolution wouldn't have been half as successful if we were allowing people to run around the country willy and nilly without paying back what they owed at a reasonable rate of interest.

The Guardian - Opinion

But, she adds, "I will be even happier if we are allowed to stay".

The Guardian

A dandelion becomes invisible and unimportant if we are allowed to forget its name.

The Guardian - Opinion

Even if we're allowed to move to high ground, how will I build a house there?

The New York Times

And I don't know if we're allowed to say what happened the rest of the night … but it was fun.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "if we were allowed", ensure the main clause reflects the consequence of this permission. This creates a logical and coherent conditional sentence.

Common error

The word "aloud" means audibly or out loud, while "allowed" means permitted. Ensure you are using the correct term to avoid miscommunication in your writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "if we were allowed" functions as a conditional clause, specifically introducing a hypothetical condition related to permission or authorization. As supported by Ludwig, it sets up a scenario where the possibility of an action depends on whether permission is granted.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

58%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Academia

4%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "if we were allowed" is a common and grammatically correct conditional phrase used to express a hypothetical scenario dependent on permission. As confirmed by Ludwig, this phrase is versatile and applicable in a variety of contexts, particularly in News & Media and Science. Related phrases include "if we were permitted" and "assuming we were allowed", which offer similar meanings with slight variations in formality and emphasis. When using this phrase, ensure that the main clause reflects the consequence of this permission to create a logical and coherent conditional sentence.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

if we were permitted

Synonymous, but uses a more formal term for "allowed".

assuming we were allowed

Introduces an element of assumption or hypothetical scenario.

provided we were allowed

Similar to "assuming", but emphasizes a condition being met.

if we had permission

Focuses specifically on the aspect of having explicit permission.

on the condition that we were allowed

Highlights the conditional nature of the permission.

if we were authorized

Implies a formal authorization, often by an authority.

if we were given leave

Emphasizes formal consent or authorization.

should we be allowed

Presents a more hypothetical or uncertain condition.

if we were able to

Focuses on the ability or capacity to perform an action, rather than permission.

if it were up to us

Shifts the focus to personal agency and decision-making power.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "if we were allowed" to sound more formal?

To sound more formal, you can use phrases like "if we were permitted", "if we were authorized", or "should we be allowed".

Is there a difference between "if we were allowed" and "if we are allowed"?

"If we were allowed" typically refers to a hypothetical or past situation, while "if we are allowed" refers to a present or future possibility. The choice depends on the intended tense and context.

What does "if we were allowed" imply about the current situation?

It implies that there is a restriction or a lack of permission in the present or past, making the action under discussion conditional.

When is it appropriate to use "if we were allowed" in a sentence?

It is appropriate when discussing a hypothetical scenario where permission is required but not necessarily granted, or when reflecting on a past situation where permission was absent.