permitted to borrow

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "permitted to borrow" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where someone is given the authority or allowance to take something, typically in a formal or legal sense. Example: "Students are permitted to borrow books from the library for a period of two weeks."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

16 human-written examples

Trained librarians kept track of the books, which passers-by and participants were permitted to borrow.

The New York Times

Smithtown residents will be permitted to borrow books from the neighboring Commack Public Library tomorrow for the first time in 18 years.

The New York Times

There has also been talk of the government needing to pay off the sector's £126m of debt (in most circumstances 16-19 aredemies aren't permitted to borrow money).

The Guardian

For decades, New Jersey governors have been permitted to borrow art from the New Jersey State Museum for use in the State House in Trenton.

The New York Times

Tuition and fees at many colleges have long exceeded the amount of money that students themselves are permitted to borrow for college costs under the federal loan programs.

The New York Times

"Love" — if I may be permitted to borrow the words of my recurrent hero, Winnie-the-Pooh — is a Good Hum, such as is Hummed Hopefully to Others.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

41 human-written examples

"Do I have to get a permit to borrow a cup of sugar from my neighbor?" Justice O'Connor asked.

The New York Times

At WorldCom, the board permitted Bernie Ebbers to "borrow" $400 million.

The New York Times - Magazine

Athletic directors gave him sideline passes and permitted him to borrow items (old game programs, helmets, jerseys, trophies) from the university's Paul W. Bryant Museum that he used in his paintings.

The New York Times - Sports

After the trip, several Club members signed a note that permitted Schneider to borrow a down payment on an old building that he out fitted with a new Swiss facade & other things & he opened Robbie's Yodel Club - a restaurant, gift shop & tourist-information booth.

The New Yorker

But by late August, Mr. Bernanke had immersed himself in the structural plumbing of financial markets, from inscrutable mortgage securities like "collateralized debt obligations" to the proliferation of "structured investment vehicles" that permitted investors to borrow at short-term rates to buy long-term debt securities like mortgages.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "permitted to borrow", ensure the context clearly indicates who is granting the permission and under what conditions. For clarity, specify the source of authorization.

Common error

Avoid ambiguity by explicitly stating who is granting the permission. Instead of "Items are permitted to borrow", specify "Students are permitted by the library to borrow items".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "permitted to borrow" functions as a modal verb phrase indicating authorization or allowance. It specifies that someone has been given the right or consent to take something temporarily. As Ludwig AI states, the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Encyclopedias

8%

Science

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Wiki

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "permitted to borrow" is a common and grammatically correct way to express authorization or allowance for temporary use. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is usable in written English across various contexts. While "allowed to borrow" serves as a close synonym, "permitted to borrow" can convey a slightly more formal tone. It's most frequently found in News & Media and encyclopedic sources. When using this phrase, clarity is key: clearly indicate who is granting the permission to avoid ambiguity. Related phrases like "authorized to borrow" offer similar meanings with subtle variations in emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

may borrow

A more concise and common way to express permission to borrow.

has permission to borrow

Directly states that permission is granted for borrowing.

can borrow

Expresses the ability and permission to borrow.

allowed to take on loan

Replaces "borrow" with a synonym and clarifies the action as taking something temporarily.

approved for borrowing

Specifies that the borrowing action has been officially approved.

authorized to use temporarily

Emphasizes the authorization aspect and specifies temporary usage instead of direct borrowing.

given leave to borrow

Uses "given leave" to express permission, adding a slightly more formal tone.

entitled to take as a loan

Highlights the entitlement or right to borrow something.

able to borrow with authorization

Combines ability and authorization, emphasizing both aspects.

eligible to borrow

Focuses on meeting the requirements or qualifications to borrow.

FAQs

What is an alternative to "permitted to borrow"?

You can use alternatives like "allowed to borrow", "authorized to borrow", or "has permission to borrow" depending on the context.

How can I use "permitted to borrow" in a sentence?

You can use "permitted to borrow" to indicate that someone is allowed to take something temporarily, such as "Students are permitted to borrow books from the library" or "Employees are permitted to borrow company vehicles for business trips".

Is there a formal synonym for "permitted to borrow"?

A more formal synonym for "permitted to borrow" is "authorized to borrow". This emphasizes the official nature of the permission.

What is the difference between "allowed to borrow" and "permitted to borrow"?

"Allowed to borrow" and "permitted to borrow" are often used interchangeably, but "permitted to borrow" can sometimes imply a more formal or official authorization.