to be allowed to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "to be allowed to" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to express permission or the opportunity to do something. Example: "I hope to be allowed to participate in the conference next month."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Ought he to be allowed to breed?

The New Yorker

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

It's fine for that to be allowed, to be legal.

The New York Times

Are they to be allowed to get away with it?

The Guardian - Opinion

In effect, someone had to be allowed to fail.

The Guardian - Arts

The science ought to be allowed to speak.

The New York Times

Grow up enough to be allowed to read comics".

The Guardian

Or, more precisely, too big to be allowed to fail.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider replacing "to be allowed to" with stronger verbs like "permitted", "authorized", or "entitled" for more formal or impactful writing.

Common error

Avoid using "to be allowed to" when an active voice construction is clearer and more direct. For example, instead of "He needs to be allowed to leave", write "Someone needs to allow him to leave."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to be allowed to" functions as an infinitive phrase expressing permission or possibility. This is supported by Ludwig AI which confirms the phrase is grammatically correct and usable. Examples demonstrate its use in diverse contexts, from formal requests to statements of policy.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Academia

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "to be allowed to" is a common and grammatically sound way to express permission or opportunity. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's widely used across various contexts, particularly in news and media. While versatile, it's important to consider the context and choose stronger verbs like "permitted" or "authorized" for more formal writing. Avoid passive voice constructions for clarity. The phrase is found in sources like The Guardian, The New York Times and The Economist, with a neutral tone that can vary depending on the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to have permission to

Replaces the verb "allow" with the noun "permission", creating a more direct expression of authorization.

to be permitted to

Uses "permitted" which is a more formal synonym of "allowed", indicating official consent.

to be authorized to

Indicates a formal or legal empowerment to perform an action.

to be entitled to

Suggests a right or legitimate claim to something, implying an inherent permission.

to be able to

Focuses on the capacity or ability to do something, which can imply permission in certain contexts.

to have the opportunity to

Highlights the availability of a chance or occasion, implying that permission is granted.

to be given leave to

Implies a formal granting of permission, often used in professional or official settings.

to be sanctioned to

Indicates approval or authorization, often by an authority or governing body.

to be in a position to

Focuses on the state of readiness or capability, which can imply permission depending on context.

to have the green light to

Suggests receiving approval to proceed, often in business or project management contexts.

FAQs

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

Use "to be allowed to" to indicate permission or opportunity. For example, "Students need "to be allowed to use" the library after hours".

What is a more formal alternative to "to be allowed to"?

More formal alternatives include "to be permitted to" or "to be authorized to", which convey a higher degree of official approval.

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

"To be allowed to" implies permission, while "to be able to" suggests capability or capacity. Permission does not necessarily imply capability, and vice versa.

When should I use "to be allowed to" versus "should be allowed to"?

"To be allowed to" is an infinitive form, often used after verbs like 'want' or 'need'. "Should be allowed to" expresses an opinion or recommendation about whether someone ought to receive permission.