to be allowed

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "to be allowed" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing permission or the act of being granted the right to do something. Example: "I hope to be allowed to participate in the conference next month."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

It felt special to be allowed in.

Independent

Ought he to be allowed to breed?

The New Yorker

To be allowed home.

The Guardian

Managers have to be allowed to manage".

The New York Times

Somebody ought to be allowed to.

The Guardian - Opinion

She asks to be allowed to sleep.

The Guardian

I screamed to be allowed to stop.

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

4 human-written examples

Children need to be allowed to think freely and critically.

The Economist

He'd be allowed to behave unspeakably.

The New Yorker

— I should be allowed to disable it).

The New York Times

Should they be allowed to attend colleges?

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "to be allowed", ensure the context clearly indicates who is granting the permission and under what conditions. This avoids ambiguity and strengthens the clarity of your writing.

Common error

Avoid mismatching the subject with the verb when using "to be allowed". For example, instead of "He are to be allowed", write "He is to be allowed" or "They are to be allowed", depending on the subject.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to be allowed" functions as an infinitive phrase expressing permission or possibility. Ludwig examples show it used to indicate someone is granted permission or has the opportunity to do something.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Formal & Business

15%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Reference

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "to be allowed" is a versatile infinitive phrase used to express permission, authorization, or possibility. Ludwig AI confirms that it's grammatically correct and widely used. It appears frequently in news, formal writing, and wiki sources, showing its adaptability across different registers. While it's generally neutral in tone, consider using more formal alternatives like "to be permitted" in highly professional settings. Remember to ensure subject-verb agreement when constructing sentences with "to be allowed" to maintain clarity and grammatical accuracy.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to be permitted

Replaces "allowed" with its direct synonym "permitted", maintaining the same meaning and grammatical structure.

to be authorized

Uses the passive form of "authorize" to convey a similar sense of being granted permission.

to have authorization

Shifts from a passive infinitive to an active construction emphasizing possession of the necessary authorization.

to gain permission

Focuses on the act of acquiring permission, rather than the state of being allowed.

to be sanctioned

Implies a more formal or official approval.

to receive clearance

Highlights the act of getting official consent or permission.

to be entitled

Suggests a right or qualification to do something, rather than simply being granted permission.

to secure approval

Emphasizes the action of obtaining approval, suggesting effort or a process.

to have leave

Uses the word "leave" which refers to permission or consent.

to have the go-ahead

Offers an informal idiom for receiving approval or permission.

FAQs

How can I use "to be allowed" in a sentence?

You can use "to be allowed" to express permission or possibility, for instance, "Students need "to be allowed to think freely" and critically" or "Visitors must present identification "to be allowed in"".

What are some alternatives to the phrase "to be allowed"?

Alternatives include "to be permitted", "to be authorized", or "to gain permission", depending on the nuance you wish to convey.

Is there a difference between "to be allowed" and "to be permitted"?

While both phrases are very similar, "to be allowed" is generally considered slightly more informal than "to be permitted". They are largely interchangeable in most contexts.

Can "to be allowed" be used in formal writing?

Yes, "to be allowed" is acceptable in formal writing. However, for a more formal tone, consider using "to be permitted" or "to be authorized".