Used and loved by millions
Since I tried Ludwig back in 2017, I have been constantly using it in both editing and translation. Ever since, I suggest it to my translators at ProSciEditing.

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
only allowed by
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
The phrase "only allowed by" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something is permitted exclusively by a specific person, group, or authority. Example: "Access to the restricted area is only allowed by authorized personnel."
✓ Grammatically correct
News & Media
Science
Alternative expressions(2)
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified examples from authoritative sources
Exact Expressions
7 human-written examples
Divorce was only allowed by presidential decree, but that ended the power Vietnamese men had held to shed their wives on a whim.
News & Media
Our schools, which will be required to say to non-Catholic parents, 'We are only allowed by the government to educate Catholics.' "3.
News & Media
Our more than 600 hospitals nationwide, which will need to stop non-Catholics at the emergency room door and say, 'We are only allowed by the government to heal Catholics.' "2.
News & Media
Our shelters, on cold nights, which will be required to say to the homeless who are non-Catholics, 'We are only allowed by the government to shelter Catholics.' "4.
News & Media
In the United States, where job creation seems to be only allowed by the wealthy, many across the political spectrum will be intrigued to see how people can prosper under extreme conditions with small support and a lot of encouragement.
News & Media
The rocking back-and-forth dance was more complex now–she repeatedly dropped to the floor while dancing in a way that is definitely only allowed by physics if you weigh less than a hundred pounds.
News & Media
Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources
Similar Expressions
53 human-written examples
Until the law was changed in October 2010, the state only allowed divorce by claiming fault against the other spouse, such as cruel and inhuman treatment, adultery or abandonment.
News & Media
While leather, wool and other animal hair is still permitted, it is only allowed "as a by-product of the meat industry from suppliers with good animal husbandry".
News & Media
Cases in which a leaf was represented by a 0 but its parent was only allowed a 1 by parsimony were inferred to be LS deletions.
Science
Similarly, cases in which a leaf was represented by a 1 but its parent was only allowed a 0 by parsimony were inferred to be LS insertions.
Science
He was visited by a priest but there was a glass between them and they were only allowed to communicate by exchanging notes.
News & Media
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
When using "only allowed by", ensure that the entity granting the permission is clearly identified to avoid ambiguity. This is particularly important in formal or legal contexts.
Common error
Avoid using "only allowed by" when the permission is actually granted by multiple sources or a general rule. Be specific about who or what is granting the permission.
Source & Trust
84%
Authority and reliability
4.3/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The phrase "only allowed by" functions as a restrictive modifier, specifying the exclusive source of permission or authorization. It emphasizes that something is permitted solely by a particular entity. Ludwig AI confirms the correctness and usability of this phrase.
Frequent in
News & Media
40%
Science
40%
Wiki
20%
Less common in
Formal & Business
0%
Encyclopedias
0%
Reference
0%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
The phrase "only allowed by" is grammatically correct and serves to restrict permission or authorization to a specific source. While considered uncommon in terms of frequency, it's readily used in both news/media and scientific contexts, according to Ludwig AI. When writing, ensure that the authorizing entity is clearly identified to avoid ambiguity. Alternative phrases, such as "solely permitted by" or "exclusively authorized by", can add formality.
More alternative expressions(10)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
solely permitted by
Emphasizes exclusivity in permission, making it more formal.
exclusively authorized by
Highlights the official or formal nature of the authorization.
exclusively sanctioned by
Focuses on the approval from an authoritative body.
exclusively validated by
Suggests that something has been officially confirmed or approved.
solely endorsed by
Implies complete approval and support from the specified source.
specifically approved by
Highlights the explicit nature of the approval.
justified only by
Emphasizes that the action or existence is legitimate solely due to the specified source.
uniquely determined by
Indicates that the outcome is singularly defined by the given entity.
contingent solely on
Indicates the dependence of an action, event, or situation on a specific condition or entity.
restricted by
Highlights the limited nature of the permission, focusing on the restrictive aspect.
FAQs
How can I use "only allowed by" in a sentence?
Use "only allowed by" to specify that a particular action or access is exclusively permitted by a certain entity. For example, "Access to the lab is only allowed by authorized personnel".
What is a more formal alternative to "only allowed by"?
For a more formal tone, you can use phrases such as "solely permitted by" or "exclusively authorized by". These alternatives emphasize the unique authority granting the permission.
Which is correct: "only allowed by" or "allowed only by"?
Both phrases can be grammatically correct, but "only allowed by" is generally preferred when you want to emphasize the exclusivity of the permission. The phrase "allowed only by" can sometimes sound awkward or less emphatic.
What's the difference between "only allowed by" and "permitted by"?
"Only allowed by" stresses that the permission is exclusive to the specified entity, while "permitted by" simply indicates that permission is granted, without necessarily implying exclusivity. Using "only" makes the limitation clearer.
Editing plus AI, all in one place.
Stop switching between tools. Your AI writing partner for everything—polishing proposals, crafting emails, finding the right tone.
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
84%
Authority and reliability
4.3/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested