permitted to question

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "permitted to question" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it in contexts where someone is allowed or authorized to ask questions, often in formal or legal settings. Example: "As a participant in the discussion, you are permitted to question the assumptions made by the panel."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

14 human-written examples

At one point, candidates were permitted to question a rival.

The New York Times

We are not permitted to question the maltreatment of some women and young people within enclaves.

The Guardian - Opinion

But it stands because of baseball's Rule 9.02(a), which says teams are not permitted to question judgment decisions.

The New York Times - Sports

The announcement also said the news media would not be permitted to question Woods after his statement.

The New York Times - Sports

As "victim participants" under Japan's court system, the Hawkers will be permitted to question Ichihashi during his trial.

The Guardian

Mr. Halter had never been permitted to question him, nor had Mr. Castro-Wright's computer files been examined, records and interviews show.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

44 human-written examples

Apparently, no one is permitted to even question Israel or American policy toward it without engendering a virulent reaction.

The New York Times

Criminologist Jo-Ellan Dimitrius used surveys to determine the ideal defense juror demographic (black women) and analyzed and judged the prospective jurors' answers to a questionnaire and response and body language during voir dire (the stage of jury selection where lawyers are permitted to directly question the jury).

Wikipedia

There were no speeches, and journalists were not permitted to ask questions.

The Guardian - Opinion

Affected parties will not ordinarily be permitted to ask questions of witnesses directly.

The Guardian - Opinion

"Because of the accelerated learning process," she recalled, "I was permitted to ask questions, while other apprentices simply worked silently".

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "permitted to question" in formal or legal contexts where it's important to emphasize that the act of questioning is officially allowed or authorized. For example, in court proceedings or formal inquiries.

Common error

Avoid using "permitted to question" when simply asking for information. This phrase implies a specific allowance or authorization, not just a general inquiry. Use alternatives like "allowed to ask" or "may inquire" in less formal scenarios.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "permitted to question" functions as a verb phrase indicating allowance or authorization. It highlights that someone is officially given the right or opportunity to ask questions, challenge statements, or seek clarification. Ludwig confirms that this phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "permitted to question" is grammatically sound and useful for indicating official permission or authorization to ask questions, as validated by Ludwig. It's commonly found in formal contexts like news reporting, scientific publications, and business documents. While "permitted to question" is a valid phrase, context is important and one must use discretion. Less formal options such as "allowed to ask questions" may be more appropriate based on context. Remember, "permitted to question" highlights the granting of permission, not just the ability to inquire.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

allowed to ask questions

Replaces "question" with the more explicit "ask questions", specifying the mode of inquiry.

authorized to inquire

"Authorized" suggests a formal permission, and "inquire" is a more formal synonym for "question".

entitled to interrogate

"Entitled" implies a right to question, and "interrogate" suggests a more thorough questioning.

given leave to inquire

"Given leave" is a more formal way of saying permitted, highlighting the act of granting permission.

have the right to challenge

Shifts the focus to the right to challenge assertions rather than simply ask questions.

at liberty to ask

"At liberty" offers a softer, less formal tone to indicate permission.

able to query

"Query" is a slightly more technical or formal term for "question".

can interrogate

Uses "can" to express ability or permission, and "interrogate" to indicate thorough questioning.

may inquire

"May" is a modal verb indicating possibility or permission to ask.

free to investigate

Changes the focus to investigation, implying a broader scope than just asking questions.

FAQs

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

Use "permitted to question" when you want to express that someone has been granted official or formal permission to ask questions, like "The witness was "allowed to question" the expert's findings".

What is a more formal way to say "permitted to question"?

A more formal alternative to "permitted to question" is "authorized to inquire", which suggests an official granting of permission to ask questions.

What can I say instead of "permitted to question" in a less formal context?

In a less formal setting, you could say "allowed to ask questions" or "able to query". These options are more conversational and less authoritative.

What is the difference between "permitted to question" and "able to question"?

"Permitted to question" implies that permission has been granted, whereas "able to question" suggests the capability or capacity to ask questions. One focuses on authorization, the other on ability.