"was allowed to" is a correct and usable part of a sentence in written English. You may use it when someone or something has been granted permission to do something. For example: The kids were allowed to stay up an hour past their bedtime.
Saddam was allowed to survive.
So I was allowed to stay.
She was allowed to do this.
Sexier stuff was allowed, to a point.
No superfluous word was allowed to survive.
A reporter was allowed to visit two.
So I was allowed to pass.
Being a terminologist, I care about word choice. Ludwig simply helps me pick the best words for any translation. Five stars!
Maria Pia Montoro
Terminologist and Q/A Analyst @ Translation Centre for the Bodies of the European Union