is allowed to

USAGE SUMMARY

"is allowed to" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it whenever you want to express that someone has permission to do something. For example, "The teacher is allowed to give the students extra credit for completing their homework."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Is that how art is allowed to happen?

Huffington Post

If she is allowed to.

The New York Times

No one is allowed to shake hands.

The New Yorker

She is allowed to be human".

The New York Times - Arts

Nothing is allowed to become comfortably familiar.

The New York Times - Arts

Only abstinence is allowed to be taught.

Independent

"She is allowed to use esquire".

The New York Times

Who is allowed to get married?

The New Yorker

Caster is allowed to compete.

The Guardian - Sport

Nobody is allowed to object.

The Guardian - Opinion

Anyah is allowed to continue.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In legal or formal contexts, pair "is allowed to" with specific conditions or limitations to avoid ambiguity. Example: "The defendant is allowed to visit his family, provided he remains within city limits."

Common error

Avoid using "is allowed to" when you actually mean "is able to". "Allowed" indicates permission, while "able" indicates capability. Example: It's incorrect to say "He is allowed to run fast" if you mean "He is able to run fast".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is allowed to" functions as a passive construction indicating permission or authorization. Ludwig's examples illustrate its use across varied contexts, from formal regulations to everyday allowances.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Academia

2%

Wiki

1%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "is allowed to" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression for indicating permission or authorization. As verified by Ludwig, it appears across diverse contexts, including news, science, and formal settings. When using this phrase, ensure clarity by specifying any conditions or limitations. Also, avoid confusing it with phrases that express ability rather than permission. Consider alternatives such as "is permitted to" or "is authorized to" for stylistic variation. By following these guidelines, you can effectively use "is allowed to" in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is permitted to

Emphasizes formal consent or authorization, similar to "is allowed to" but with a slightly more official tone.

is authorized to

Highlights that someone has the official power or right to do something, focusing on legitimacy.

is entitled to

Indicates a legal or moral right to something, shifting the focus to what someone deserves.

has the right to

Directly states a right or entitlement, making the allowance a formal or inherent privilege.

is able to

Focuses on the capacity or ability to do something, rather than explicit permission.

is capable of

Highlights the potential or skill to perform an action, rather than permission.

can

A simple modal verb indicating possibility or permission, less formal than "is allowed to".

may

Suggests possibility or permission, often used in more formal contexts than "can".

is enabled to

Focuses on the provision of means or opportunity, suggesting facilitation rather than direct permission.

is designed to

Shifts the meaning to the intended function or purpose, rather than explicit allowance.

FAQs

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

Use "is allowed to" to indicate that someone has permission or authorization to do something. For example, "Employees "are allowed to" take a 15-minute break every four hours".

What can I say instead of "is allowed to"?

You can use alternatives like "is permitted to", "is authorized to", or "has the right to" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "is allowed to" or "is allow to"?

"Is allowed to" is the correct form. "Is allow to" is grammatically incorrect.

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

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