was authorized by

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "was authorized by" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate that someone or something has given permission or approval for an action or decision. Example: "The project was authorized by the board of directors after a thorough review."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The process of translation into Portuguese was authorized by the authors of the original scale.

BMC Health Services Research

The translation was authorized by the main author of the original version.

BMC Psychiatry

The study protocol was authorized by Cayenne General Hospital authorities according to French ethical rules.

Emerging Microbes and Infections

The study, as biomedical research, was authorized by the French competent authorities and the local ethics committee (CPP).

Sports Medicine - Open

The study was authorized by the National Pediatric hospital authorities.

BMC Pediatrics

All electrofishing and sampling was authorized by the responsible local fisheries authorities.

BMC Evolutionary Biology

Then it was authorized by China invention patents (ZL201010200778.9).

Applied Thermal Engineering

It was authorized by Abbott in the 1980's.

The New York Times - Arts

At that time, CEQ was authorized by Exec.

Cornell University

The storage facility was authorized by the Fire Department to hold fireworks.

The New York Times

The whistle-blower reward program was authorized by the Dodd-Frank financial overhaul.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "was authorized by" to convey formal approval. Consider using synonyms like "approved", "permitted", or "sanctioned" when the context doesn't require such formality.

Common error

Avoid overusing the passive voice with "was authorized by", as it can obscure the actor. Whenever possible, rephrase to active voice to make the sentence more direct and engaging. For example, instead of "The project was authorized by the committee", write "The committee authorized the project".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "was authorized by" functions primarily as a passive voice construction indicating that an action, process, or entity received official permission or approval. It signifies the legitimacy or validation conferred by an authority. Ludwig AI confirms this use.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

41%

News & Media

39%

Academia

8%

Less common in

Wiki

6%

Formal & Business

4%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "was authorized by" is a common and grammatically correct way to express that something has received official approval or permission. Predominantly found in science, news and media, and academic contexts, Ludwig AI confirms it is best used to convey legitimacy and adherence to procedures. For clearer and more direct communication, consider alternative phrasings in the active voice. When a less formal tone is necessary, synonyms like "was approved by" can be used. Always ensure that the source of the authorization is clearly identified to avoid ambiguity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

was approved by

Focuses more on agreement or positive endorsement, rather than formal authorization.

was permitted by

Emphasizes allowance or consent, often in situations with rules or regulations.

was sanctioned by

Suggests official approval, sometimes implying a moral or ethical endorsement.

was endorsed by

Implies support or recommendation, often by a person or organization.

was validated by

Highlights the confirmation or verification of something's correctness or legitimacy.

was commissioned by

Indicates that someone ordered or requested something to be made or done.

was decreed by

Suggests an official order or proclamation, often with legal authority.

was ratified by

Implies a formal confirmation or approval, often in the context of agreements or treaties.

was legislated by

Specifically refers to authorization through the creation of laws or statutes.

had the backing of

Emphasizes support and resources provided by a particular entity or person.

FAQs

What is the difference between "was authorized by" and "was approved by"?

"Was authorized by" suggests a more formal or official permission, whereas "was approved by" implies a general agreement or positive endorsement. The choice depends on the level of formality you want to convey.

How can I rephrase a sentence using "was authorized by" to make it more active?

Instead of "The study was authorized by the ethics committee", try "The ethics committee authorized the study". This shifts the focus to the entity granting the authorization, making the sentence more direct.

In what contexts is "was authorized by" most appropriate?

"Was authorized by" is particularly suitable in formal contexts such as legal documents, official reports, and academic papers, where precision and clarity are essential. Other options may be available depending on the context.

What are some synonyms for "was authorized by" that offer a similar meaning?

Depending on the context, alternatives include "was permitted by", "was sanctioned by", "was endorsed by", and "was validated by". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you wish to convey.