was cleared to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "was cleared to" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used in contexts where someone has been given permission or authorization to do something, often in formal or official situations. Example: "After a thorough review, the applicant was cleared to proceed with the next stage of the hiring process."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

Tim was cleared to play.

The New York Times

He was cleared to practice Thursday.

The New York Times

He was cleared to resume contact in training camp.

The New York Times - Sports

On Aug. 7, Thomas was cleared to begin practicing.

The New York Times - Sports

At twelve-ten, the plane was cleared to land.

The New Yorker

But, like I said, he was cleared to play.

The New York Times

But he was cleared to play for the third period.

The New York Times - Sports

The space shuttle Atlantis was cleared to come home.

The New York Times

On July 3, he was cleared to return to gymnastics.

The New York Times - Sports

Last week, Lindros was cleared to ride a stationary bike.

The New York Times - Sports

And I was cleared to play long ago".

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "was cleared to", ensure that the context clearly indicates who granted the clearance and what criteria were met. This adds clarity and credibility to your statement.

Common error

Avoid using "clear to" when you mean "was cleared to". "Clear to" usually describes a state of unobstructed passage, while "was cleared to" indicates permission or authorization.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "was cleared to" functions as a passive construction indicating that the subject received permission or authorization to perform a specific action. This usage aligns with Ludwig AI's confirmation of its correctness and usability. The structure implies an external authority granting approval, which is evident in the examples provided.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Science

15%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "was cleared to" is a common and grammatically correct passive construction used to indicate that someone or something has received permission or authorization to do something. Ludwig AI confirms its usability and correctness. It is frequently found in news and media contexts, as well as scientific and general writing. When using this phrase, ensure that the context clearly indicates the source of the clearance and the criteria that were met to ensure clarity and credibility. Be aware of potential confusion with similar phrases like "clear to", which describe a state of unobstructed passage. By understanding these nuances, writers can effectively and accurately convey the intended meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

was given clearance to

Highlights that an inspection or verification process was successfully completed.

was authorized to

Implies official or legal empowerment.

was permitted to

Indicates allowance or consent, often with a formal tone.

received authorization to

Emphasizes formal approval or permission.

had permission to

Highlights the aspect of seeking and obtaining permission.

was given the go-ahead to

Suggests a more informal approval, often in a project or plan context.

gained approval to

Focuses on the act of successfully obtaining approval.

was sanctioned to

Emphasizes official endorsement or approval, often by a higher authority.

was entitled to

Suggests a right or qualification to do something.

was designated to

Implies being officially chosen or assigned to perform a specific task.

FAQs

How is "was cleared to" used in a sentence?

The phrase "was cleared to" indicates that someone or something has received permission or authorization to do something. For example, "The pilot "was cleared to land"" or "The athlete "was cleared to compete"".

What is a synonym for "was cleared to"?

Synonyms for "was cleared to" include "was authorized to", "was permitted to", or "was given permission to". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "was cleared for" instead of "was cleared to"?

While "was cleared to" indicates permission or authorization, "was cleared for" usually implies that something has been made safe or suitable for a specific purpose. For instance, "The area "was cleared for construction"" means the area is now ready for building. Choose the preposition carefully to reflect your intended meaning.

What does it mean when someone "was cleared to return"?

When someone "was cleared to return", it generally means they have recovered from an injury or illness, or have met certain requirements, and are now authorized to resume their previous activities, such as work, sports, or travel. For example, "After passing the medical tests, he "was cleared to return to play"".