permitted to touch

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "permitted to touch" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where permission is granted for someone to make physical contact with something or someone. Example: "Only authorized personnel are permitted to touch the equipment during the maintenance process."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

18 human-written examples

My little brother and I were not permitted to touch them.

The New Yorker

Only designated tribal members are permitted to touch and bury the dead.

The New York Times - Health

But at $999.97, down from $7,020, it was a thrill even to be permitted to touch it.

The New York Times

At no time is the matador permitted to touch or hurt the bull with the sword except for the final kill.

Encyclopedia Britannica

After all, the housekeeper consults the religious authorities about whether she is even permitted to touch the father with Alzheimer's — a male who is not a family member.

The New York Times

Greta's legacy, a large trust fund she wasn't permitted to touch until her thirtieth birthday, drove her mad with the determination to die squalorously before she became wealthy.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

41 human-written examples

They sounded like residents of a police state, permitted to view but not touch the precious.

The New York Times

"Our religion does not permit us to touch small children and women, we don't kill children," he said, reading from sheets of paper as he cradled a Kalashnikov.

The Guardian

The range of (h) permits us to touch upon the issue of concavity (technological proximity, (h<1)) and convexity (technological alienation, (h>1)).

Latin American Economic Review

You are the "sovereign" of your computer, in that you may permit others to touch it or not at your discretion.

SEP

Beaton goes home to England, having been permitted to look at, and even touch, the idol but not to take it with him.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "permitted to touch", ensure the context clearly indicates who is granting the permission and what the subject of the touch is. For example, "Only authorized personnel are "permitted to touch" the equipment."

Common error

Avoid assuming that being "permitted to touch" implies permission to use or manipulate the object. Clearly define the extent of the permission. Saying "You are "permitted to touch" the display" doesn't inherently mean you can interact with it.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "permitted to touch" functions as a verb phrase indicating authorization or allowance for physical contact. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically sound and widely employed across various contexts. It signifies that a rule or restriction against touching has been lifted, granting the subject the ability to make physical contact.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Encyclopedias

20%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Science

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "permitted to touch" is a grammatically correct and commonly used verb phrase that indicates authorization or allowance for physical contact. As noted by Ludwig AI, the phrase is used across diverse contexts, particularly in news, encyclopedias, and scientific publications. While generally neutral, it can lean towards professional settings, emphasizing a formal grant of permission. When using this phrase, ensure clarity regarding who grants the permission and the scope of the action. Alternatives such as "allowed to touch" or "authorized to handle" can provide nuanced meaning depending on the context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

may touch

A more direct and concise way of expressing permission.

can touch

Indicates the possibility and permission to touch.

allowed to handle

Emphasizes the action of handling something with permission.

authorized to touch

Highlights the official or formal approval for touching.

given permission to touch

Explicitly states that permission has been granted.

entitled to touch

Suggests a right or entitlement to touch something.

sanctioned to touch

Implies that the touching has been officially approved.

cleared to touch

Indicates that any obstacles or restrictions preventing touch have been removed.

have leave to touch

Uses the formal term "leave" to indicate permission.

not prohibited from touching

Expresses permission by stating the absence of a prohibition.

FAQs

What does "permitted to touch" mean?

The phrase "permitted to touch" means that someone has been given authorization or allowed to make physical contact with something or someone. It implies that there was a potential restriction or rule against touching that has been lifted.

What can I say instead of "permitted to touch"?

You can use alternatives like "allowed to touch", "authorized to handle", or "given permission to touch" depending on the specific context.

How formal is the phrase "permitted to touch"?

The phrase "permitted to touch" is relatively formal and suitable for official or serious contexts. In more casual situations, "allowed to touch" or "can touch" might be more appropriate.

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

While "permitted to touch" and "allowed to touch" are very similar, "permitted" often suggests a more formal or official authorization, whereas "allowed" is generally more common and can refer to informal permission.