was allowed to

USAGE SUMMARY

"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.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Saddam was allowed to survive.

The New Yorker

So I was allowed to stay.

The New Yorker

She was allowed to do this.

The New Yorker

Sexier stuff was allowed, to a point.

The New Yorker

No superfluous word was allowed to survive.

The Economist

A reporter was allowed to visit two.

The New York Times - Health

So I was allowed to pass.

Independent

Semenya was allowed to keep her medal.

The New York Times - Sports

"Pakistan was allowed to go nuclear.

The New York Times

The guest was allowed to change rooms.

Independent

Nobody was allowed to go in there".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "was allowed to" in formal writing, consider whether a more precise term like "authorized" or "permitted" would be more appropriate to convey the specific nuance of the permission granted.

Common error

Avoid using "was allow to" (missing the -ed ending) or mixing up active and passive voice constructions. Ensure that the sentence clearly indicates who or what granted the permission.

Linguistic Context

"Was allowed to" functions as a passive construction indicating permission or authorization. It is typically used to express that someone or something received approval to perform an action, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. This structure is commonly found in news articles, scientific papers, and general writing, providing a clear way to show that an action was permitted.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "was allowed to" is a very common and grammatically correct passive construction used to indicate that permission or authorization was granted for an action. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and widespread use. It is predominantly found in news and media sources, with a notable presence in scientific writing. When using this phrase, ensure correct tense and voice to avoid grammatical errors. Consider alternatives like "was permitted to" or "had permission to" for slight variations in formality or emphasis. By understanding its function, purpose, and register, you can effectively incorporate "was allowed to" into your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

was permitted to

Replaces "allowed" with "permitted", a synonym with a similar level of formality.

had permission to

Changes the structure to emphasize the possession of permission rather than the act of allowing.

was authorized to

Uses "authorized" to suggest a more official or formal granting of permission.

was given leave to

Employs "leave" to indicate a formal allowance, often used in professional or academic contexts.

was entitled to

Indicates that the subject had a right or claim to the action, not just permission.

was granted the ability to

Shifts the focus to the capability resulting from the permission.

was enabled to

Highlights the act of making someone or something capable of performing an action.

could

A more concise way of expressing permission or possibility in the past.

had the green light to

An idiomatic expression suggesting approval or clearance to proceed.

was not prohibited from

Expresses permission indirectly by stating that the action was not forbidden.

FAQs

What does "was allowed to" mean?

The phrase "was allowed to" indicates that someone or something had permission or was given the opportunity to do something. It signifies that an action was not prohibited and was, in fact, permitted.

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

You can use "was allowed to" to describe a past situation where permission was granted. For example, "She "was allowed to leave" early because she finished her work."

What are some alternatives to "was allowed to"?

Alternatives include "was permitted to", "had permission to", or "was authorized to". The best choice depends on the specific context and the desired level of formality.

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

"Was allowed to" implies permission, whereas "was able to" implies capability or possibility. For example, "He "was allowed to go"" means he had permission, but "He was able to go" means he had the opportunity or capability to go.