it was allowed

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it was allowed" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
It is typically used when describing something that was permitted or given permission to do. Example: After much debate, the new policy was finally allowed by the board of directors.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Iceland had the least: it was allowed to increase its reductions by 10percentt.

The Washington Post

The local economy would be "devastated" if it was allowed to fall behind its European competitors.

The Guardian - Business

It was allowed.

The Washington Post

And, best of all, it was allowed.

The New York Times - Travel

It was allowed from the intervention order.

The Guardian

There was screaming, of course, if it was allowed.

The New Yorker

Maybe he didn't even know it was allowed".

Independent

That it was allowed to stand was fortunate.

Independent

Major League Baseball said it was allowed to grant exceptions.

The New York Times

Because it had no logo, it was allowed.

The New York Times - Sports

Nevertheless, it was allowed to keep operating temporarily.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "it was allowed", ensure the context clearly specifies who or what granted the permission to avoid ambiguity. For example, instead of saying "It was allowed", specify "The teacher allowed it".

Common error

Avoid using "it was allowed" without a clear indication of who or what granted the permission. Ambiguity can confuse the reader; always specify the source of authorization.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it was allowed" functions as a passive construction indicating that permission or authorization was granted. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and widely used. The examples illustrate its use in various contexts, from formal approvals to tolerated actions.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Science

33%

Academia

8%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it was allowed" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression that conveys permission or authorization. As Ludwig AI indicates, it is suitable for various contexts. Predominantly found in news media, scientific publications, and academic writing, this phrase maintains a neutral register and indicates the lifting of restrictions or the granting of approval. When using "it was allowed", ensure that the subject granting the permission is clear to avoid ambiguity. Alternatives like "it was permitted" or "it was approved" can be used based on the desired level of formality.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it was permitted

A direct synonym emphasizing formal consent or authorization.

it was approved

Indicates a decision in favor of something.

it was authorized

Implies official approval or endorsement by an authority.

it was sanctioned

Suggests a formal and often legal approval.

it was deemed acceptable

Focuses on the judgment that something met the required standards.

it was given the go-ahead

A more informal way of saying permission was granted.

it had the green light

An idiomatic expression indicating approval to proceed.

it was not prohibited

Expresses permission indirectly by stating the absence of a ban.

it was tolerated

Suggests acceptance without enthusiasm; often implies something undesirable is being endured.

it was suffered

An uncommon way of allowing something. The word suffer here means to allow.

FAQs

How can I use "it was allowed" in a sentence?

Use "it was allowed" to indicate that permission or authorization was granted for something. For example, "The team requested an extension, and "it was allowed" by the committee".

What are some alternatives to using "it was allowed"?

You can use alternatives such as "it was permitted", "it was authorized", or "it was approved" depending on the level of formality and context.

Is it better to use "it was allowed" or "it was permitted"?

Both ""it was allowed"" and "it was permitted" are correct and very similar in meaning. "It was permitted" is generally more formal than "it was allowed".

What does it mean when something "it was allowed"?

When something ""it was allowed"", it means that it received permission or authorization to happen or exist. It indicates that there were no prohibitions or restrictions preventing it.