was authorised to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "was authorised to" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when indicating that someone has been given official permission or power to perform a specific action. Example: "The manager was authorised to approve the budget for the upcoming project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

48 human-written examples

In 1663, the first turnpike was authorised to collect tolls.

The Economist

The other company, Vannaseng Trading, was authorised to traffic even more.

The Guardian

I was authorised to use it; I could make payments up to £100,000, even more".

Independent

The prime minister added: "Nobody was authorised to name David Kelly.

The Guardian

He said messages were relayed only through journalists and nobody was authorised to negotiate for Boko Haram.

The Guardian

He said: "I was authorised to be absent due to a pre-arranged engagement away from the parliamentary estate.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

12 human-written examples

Such teams were authorised to operate outside the law.

The Economist

Three thousand farmers are authorised to use proper sheep dip.

The Guardian

The signatories were authorised to perform complex financial tasks.

The Guardian

Guards are authorised to respond quickly to threats.

The Guardian - Books

NLM is authorised to accept donations in support of its mission.

Harvard University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "was authorised to", ensure the context clearly identifies who granted the authorization and under what conditions. This provides clarity and strengthens the credibility of the statement.

Common error

Avoid using "was authorised to" when simply indicating someone had the ability or skill to do something, rather than explicit permission. Use phrases like "was able to" or "had the capacity to" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "was authorised to" functions as a passive verb phrase, indicating that the subject received permission or power to perform a specific action. It is used to express that someone or something has been officially granted the right to do something, as shown in the examples provided by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Wiki

18%

Science

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "was authorised to" is a versatile phrase used to indicate official permission or power to perform an action. As highlighted by Ludwig, it is grammatically sound and commonly found in news, wiki, and scientific contexts. To enhance clarity, always specify the source of the authorization. Remember, this phrase denotes explicit permission rather than simply the ability to act. Use alternatives such as "was permitted to" or "was empowered to" to vary your writing style. Understanding these nuances ensures precise and effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

had the authorization to

Replaces "was authorised" with "had the authorization", emphasizing possession of the permission.

was permitted to

Substitutes "authorised" with "permitted", offering a more common synonym.

was empowered to

Replaces "authorised" with "empowered", suggesting a grant of power or ability.

was given authority to

Rephrases the sentence to emphasize the act of giving authority.

was entitled to

Suggests the right or qualification to do something, rather than explicit permission.

was cleared to

Implies that all necessary checks and approvals were completed.

was sanctioned to

Suggests a formal or official approval.

was delegated the responsibility to

Shifts focus to the delegation of responsibility, implying authorization.

held the mandate to

Implies a formal or official command or instruction.

had license to

Uses "license" to indicate permission, often in a more formal or legal context.

FAQs

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

Use "was authorised to" to indicate that someone received official permission or had the power to perform a specific action. For example: "The CEO "was authorised to" sign the contract."

What are some alternatives to "was authorised to"?

Alternatives include "was permitted to", "was empowered to", or "had the authorization to". The best choice depends on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is "was authorised to" formal or informal?

"Was authorised to" is generally considered neutral to formal. Its suitability depends on the context, but it is appropriate for professional, news, and academic writing.

What's the difference between "was authorised to" and "was allowed to"?

"Was authorised to" implies a formal granting of permission or power, often by an authority figure or institution. "Was allowed to" is more general and can refer to informal permission. For example: "The employee "was authorised to" access confidential files," versus "The child "was allowed to" stay up late."