is he allowed

USAGE SUMMARY

"is he allowed" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It can be used to ask whether or not something is permitted. For example, "Is he allowed to take extra food from the buffet?".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

17 human-written examples

Only if he is given the all-clear is he allowed to return to action.

The New York Times - Sports

How on earth is he allowed to claim that mezzanines aren't included in square footage?

The New York Times

But because of his wisdom and his understanding of what theater is, he allowed me to see it differently.

The New York Times

The tenderness in this book is Caspar's secret; only through nature is he allowed to feel it.

The Guardian - Books

In addition, in many societies, only after an individual has reached a certain age or satisfied some other requirements is he allowed to wear certain colours or decorations.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Nor is he allowed to teach, he said, although the state university still uses a prize-winning radioelectronics textbook he wrote.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

41 human-written examples

Why was he allowed to travel?

The Guardian - Sport

Only in 1854 was he allowed to return to Italy.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Why was he allowed to roam free for that matter?

The Guardian - Opinion

Was he allowed any indulgences inside the prison?

Vice

It was, he allows, quite a buzz.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "is he allowed", ensure the context clearly indicates who or what authority is granting the permission. For instance, "Is he allowed to bring guests?" implies a host or establishment sets the rule.

Common error

Avoid assuming universal permission. Just because someone is "allowed" to do something in one context doesn't mean they are in another. Specify the boundaries: "Is he allowed to park here, given that he's a resident?"

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is he allowed" primarily functions as an interrogative clause used to inquire whether a male person has been granted permission to perform a specific action. This aligns with Ludwig's observation that the phrase is grammatically correct and usable. It seeks clarification on the existence of authorization.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Encyclopedias

12%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Science

8%

Formal & Business

8%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "is he allowed" is a commonly used and grammatically sound phrase for inquiring about permission. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English. Predominantly found in news and encyclopedic contexts, its function is to seek information regarding the permissibility of an action, and the register is typically neutral. When using this phrase, clarity about the source of permission and the specific scope is essential. Related phrases like "is he permitted" offer more formal alternatives, while "can he" addresses ability. Avoid assumptions of universal permission, specifying the boundaries of what is permissible.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is he permitted

Replaces "allowed" with a more formal synonym, suitable for official or respectful contexts.

does he have permission

Emphasizes the act of granting permission rather than the state of being allowed.

is he authorized

Suggests a more formal or official level of approval, often in professional settings.

is he entitled

Implies a right or justified claim to something, rather than simply being allowed.

is it permissible for him

Introduces a more impersonal and formal tone, suitable for rules or regulations.

may he

Uses a more traditional and somewhat archaic form of asking for permission.

is he able

Shifts the focus to capability or feasibility rather than explicit permission.

can he

More informal, focusing on possibility and in some contexts, permission.

is he supposed to

Indicates expectation or obligation rather than explicit allowance.

does he have the right

Focuses on legal or moral entitlement rather than granted permission.

FAQs

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

Use "is he allowed" to inquire whether someone has permission to do something. For example, "Is he allowed to participate in the contest?" or "Is he allowed to leave early today?"

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

For a more formal tone, you could ask "is he permitted" or "does he have permission?" depending on the context.

Is there a difference between "is he allowed" and "is he able"?

"Is he allowed" refers to permission, while "is he able" refers to capability. You might ask, "Is he allowed to drive?" (does he have permission?) versus "Is he able to drive?" (is he physically capable?).

When is it appropriate to use "is he allowed" instead of "can he"?

Use "is he allowed" when you want to know if someone has been given permission to do something. "Can he", while sometimes interchangeable, often refers more broadly to ability or possibility. For example, "Is he allowed to use the equipment?" (permission) versus "Can he use the equipment?" (does he know how?).