was permitted access

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "was permitted access" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where someone is granted permission to enter or use something, such as a location, system, or information. Example: "After the security check, the visitor was permitted access to the restricted area."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

No American, for example, was permitted access to A. Q. Khan, the metallurgist and so-called father of the Pakistani atomic bomb, who traded crucial nuclear-weapons components on the international black market.

The New Yorker

No other person was permitted access to the information.

Language Testing in Asia

Back in 2006, YottaMusic was permitted access to a set of non-public Rhapsody APIs that allowed it to build its own player and interface for the music service instead of using Rhapsody's own popup player.

TechCrunch

One of the girls' governesses, Sofia Ivanovna Tyutcheva, was horrified in 1910 because Rasputin was permitted access to the nursery when the four girls were in their nightgowns.

Wikipedia

However, one of the girls' governesses, Sofia Ivanovna Tyutcheva, was horrified that Rasputin was permitted access to the nursery when the four girls were in their nightgowns; she wanted him barred.

Wikipedia

However, one of the girls' governesses, Sofia Ivanovna Tyutcheva, was horrified in 1910 that Rasputin was permitted access to the nursery when the four girls were in their nightgowns and wanted him barred.

Wikipedia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

They were permitted access to govt. legal files.

The New Yorker

"We were never denied the names; they were permitted access to counsel.

The New York Times

Epstein showed a different level of reward to the few who were permitted access to his inner circle.

The Guardian

Net Nanny administrators can schedule times in which a user is permitted access, in half-hour blocks.

The New York Times - Tech

It has no on-site parking at all, except for a few bays for residents with disabilities and visiting doctors - not even delivery vans are permitted access.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "was permitted access" when you want to emphasize that permission was officially granted, especially in formal or legal contexts.

Common error

Don't use "was permitted access" when "right of access" is more appropriate. "Right of access" implies a legal or inherent entitlement, while "was permitted access" suggests granted permission.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "was permitted access" functions as a passive construction, indicating that someone or something received permission to enter or use something. Ludwig confirms its usability in various contexts. The subject of the sentence receives the action of being granted access.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

33%

Wiki

14%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "was permitted access" is a passive construction used to denote that someone received official authorization to enter or use something. As confirmed by Ludwig, this phrase is grammatically correct and most frequently encountered in news, scientific, and wiki contexts. It conveys a neutral to formal tone, suggesting a regulated or permission-based process. While not overly common, its precise meaning makes it valuable for expressing officially granted entry or usage. Consider alternatives like "was authorized to enter" or "was granted entry" depending on the desired emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

was authorized to enter

Focuses on the authorization aspect, emphasizing the official permission granted.

was granted entry

Highlights the act of being allowed to enter a specific place or system.

was given clearance

Emphasizes the security or procedural aspect of being allowed access.

was allowed admittance

A more formal way of saying someone was allowed to enter.

was given the go-ahead

Implies that someone received approval to proceed, which includes being allowed access.

was cleared to proceed

Similar to 'given clearance' but focuses on the action being permitted.

had access granted

Highlights that the access was granted, shifting the focus to the access itself.

was approved for entry

Focuses on the approval process before the entry is allowed.

was sanctioned to view

Suggests official approval to view something specific, like documents or data.

was eligible to enter

Indicates that someone met the requirements to be allowed access.

FAQs

When is it appropriate to use "was permitted access"?

Use "was permitted access" when emphasizing that someone received official or explicit permission to enter, use, or view something. It's common in formal, legal, or regulated environments.

What are some alternatives to "was permitted access"?

Alternatives include "was authorized to enter", "was granted entry", or "was given clearance", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "was permitted access" formal or informal?

"Was permitted access" leans towards the formal side. For more informal contexts, consider using phrases like "was allowed in" or "got access".

How does "was permitted access" differ from "had access to"?

"Was permitted access" implies a specific granting of permission for entry or use. "Had access to" suggests a general capability or ability to access something, without necessarily implying explicit permission in that moment.