it was not permitted

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it was not permitted" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate that something was not allowed or authorized in a specific context or situation. Example: "During the meeting, it was not permitted to use electronic devices to ensure everyone was focused on the discussion."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

20 human-written examples

The most valuable privately held company in the United States at the moment is currently under federal investigation for potentially violating the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act; for developing software to spy on drivers for competing ride-sharing services; and for using software to allow its drivers to evade law enforcement in jurisdictions where it was not permitted to operate.

TechCrunch

It was not permitted.

The New Yorker

It was not permitted to show the film on French state TV.

The New Yorker

He said that he had once tried to list ingredients on wines back in the 1980s, but the government had rejected the label, saying it was not permitted.

The New York Times - Food

I was told that it was not permitted to use public transport after the procedure, even though there was no anaesthetic involved.

The Guardian

Another player was seen talking to Stekelenburg and one of Magath's coaches ran over to tell him it was not permitted.

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

40 human-written examples

A red Thunderbird sat alone In Alliance Road's handicapped zone It wasn't permitted Its owner emitted A three hundred-thirty buck moan.

The New York Times

It was already fined $10,000 by the Department of Transportation this month, though, for advertising low fares on its Web site, which it is not permitted to do before it has a certificate to operate.

The New York Times

For example, Lucent's net worth is not supposed to fall below $23 billion and it is not permitted to let its accumulated cash losses before taxes exceed $2.35 billion.

The New York Times

Better that it were not permitted".

Independent

It is not permitted by any moral code or principle".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it was not permitted" to clearly and formally state that an action or behavior was disallowed, especially in official or legal contexts. For instance, "It was not permitted to bring outside food into the examination hall."

Common error

Avoid using "it was not permitted" in very casual conversations. Opt for simpler alternatives like "it wasn't allowed" or "we couldn't" to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it was not permitted" functions as a passive construction indicating prohibition or lack of authorization. Ludwig AI confirms its use in various contexts, from legal restrictions to general rules.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Science

34%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Wiki

8%

Encyclopedias

4%

Formal & Business

6%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it was not permitted" is a formal phrase used to indicate that something was disallowed or unauthorized. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct and sees common usage across diverse sources like News & Media, Science, and Academia. While it is suitable for official contexts, it's advisable to use simpler alternatives such as "it was not allowed" in casual settings. Be mindful of the formality level and the specific context to ensure appropriate and effective communication. Remember to use it to convey a clear message of restriction or prohibition.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it was not allowed

A more direct and common alternative to 'permitted'.

it was disallowed

Replaces 'permitted' with 'allowed', slightly more formal.

it wasn't authorized

Highlights the lack of official endorsement or approval.

it was prohibited

Uses a stronger term, 'prohibited', implying a stricter ban.

it was impermissible

A more formal and less common synonym for 'not permitted'.

it was forbidden

Similar to 'prohibited' but often carries a more serious or moral weight.

it was precluded

Implies that something was prevented or made impossible.

it was unacceptable

Focuses on the lack of acceptance rather than explicit permission.

it was against the rules

Specifies that the action violated established regulations.

it was out of bounds

Idiomatic expression implying something is beyond acceptable limits.

FAQs

What does "it was not permitted" mean?

The phrase "it was not permitted" means that something was not allowed or authorized. It's a formal way of saying something was prohibited.

What can I say instead of "it was not permitted"?

You can use alternatives like "it was not allowed", "it was prohibited", or "it was forbidden" depending on the context and the level of formality you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "it was not permitted"?

Use "it was not permitted" in formal writing or speech, such as legal documents, official reports, or when communicating rules and regulations. For less formal situations, consider using "it was not allowed".

Is "it was not permitted" the same as "it is not permitted"?

"It was not permitted" refers to something that was disallowed in the past, while "it is not permitted" refers to something that is currently disallowed. The difference is in the tense: past vs. present.