we are authorized to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "we are authorized to" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when indicating that someone has the official permission or power to perform a specific action or task. Example: "As representatives of the company, we are authorized to negotiate contracts on behalf of our clients."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

Store announced that it was having a sale and "We are authorized to accept relief checks.

The New Yorker

"It is our understanding by our legal counsel that we are authorized to sail," he said last night.

The New York Times

"We are authorized to say that if they accept this gun purchase proposal, we would not oppose anyone who wants to turn in his weapon," said Sheik Naim al-Kaaby, another Sadr representative who took part in the talks.

The New York Times

Ann duCille writes expressing a deep ambivalence over this trend—"[w]e become objects of study where we are authorized to be the story but have no special claim to decoding that story.

SEP

Therefore we are authorized to apply the concept of fractality and calculate the fractal dimension.

BMC Cancer

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

We were authorized to do whatever we want and the orders came directly from the leader, from Bashar (al-Assad).

The New York Times

No one was subjected to enhanced interrogation for anywhere near the thirty days maximum we were authorized to use.

The New Yorker

"We had initially believed we were authorized to use that picture," Andrew Jensen, the marketing director of One on One, said in an e-mail message.

The New York Times

With that problem in mind, Mr. Demario said, "We carefully deliberated about what we were authorized to do under the statute" to reduce ambiguity.

The New York Times

Alexander Marquardt (@MarquardtA) "We're authorized to use our weapons if our servicemen are endangered," Yevpatoriya base cmmdr Col. Andrey Matvienko tells @ABC.

The Guardian

Mr. Kloster still feels strongly that "we were doing what we were authorized to do," but even if he had fought the lawsuit, there was nothing to stop Dr Pepper from ending the relationship anyway.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "we are authorized to" when specifying that your team or organization has received official approval or legal permission to execute a task or action. This phrase conveys a sense of legitimacy and compliance.

Common error

Avoid using "we are authorized to" when you simply mean your team is capable of doing something. Authorization implies formal permission, not just the presence of skills or resources.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we are authorized to" functions as a performative utterance, indicating that the speaker or group possesses the official right or permission to undertake a specific action. Ludwig highlights various contexts where this phrase is applicable, reinforcing its function in conveying legitimacy.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

35%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Social Media

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "we are authorized to" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression to convey that an individual or group has been granted official permission to perform a particular action. Ludwig's examples from reputable sources like The New York Times, The Guardian, and Forbes, coupled with the Ludwig AI's validation of its correctness, reinforces its reliability. While versatile, it is crucial to distinguish between being authorized and simply being capable. Alternatives such as "we are permitted to" or "we have the right to" can be considered depending on the context. When clarity and precision are key, "we are authorized to" effectively communicates legitimacy and compliance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we are permitted to

Emphasizes allowance or consent, often implying a formal or official approval.

we are allowed to

Indicates a general permission to do something, often in a less formal context.

we have the right to

Focuses on a legal or moral entitlement to perform an action, rather than explicit permission.

we are empowered to

Suggests being given the power or authority necessary to accomplish something, often implying enablement.

we are entitled to

Highlights a justified claim or privilege, differing from a granted authorization.

we are enabled to

Highlights the act of being equipped or made capable to perform a task.

we are cleared to

Indicates the removal of obstacles or the granting of explicit approval, often implying a security or procedural aspect.

we are in a position to

Indicates capability and readiness, rather than explicit authorization.

we are sanctioned to

Suggests official approval, particularly in contexts involving rules or regulations.

we are delegated to

Focuses on specific tasks assigned by someone else.

FAQs

What does "we are authorized to" mean?

The phrase "we are authorized to" indicates that a person or group has been given official permission or the legal right to perform a specific action or task.

How can I use "we are authorized to" in a sentence?

You can use it to state that you or your group has the permission to do something, for example: "As company representatives, "we are authorized to" negotiate contracts."

What's the difference between "we are authorized to" and "we are permitted to"?

While both phrases imply permission, "we are authorized to" often suggests a more formal or official granting of permission, whereas "we are permitted to" can be used in more general contexts.

What are some alternatives to saying "we are authorized to"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "we have the right to", "we are allowed to", or "we are empowered to" to convey a similar meaning.