we were allowed

USAGE SUMMARY

"we were allowed" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase when writing in English.
For example, you could say: "We were allowed to watch a movie in class as a reward for completing our assignment."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Lifestyle

Travel

Books

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Finally, we were allowed through.

The Guardian - Opinion

We were allowed out, but only just.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"We were allowed only two trucks.

The New York Times

We were allowed no pool gear whatsoever.

The New York Times - Sports

We were allowed to roam as we wanted.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"I'm still surprised we were allowed," he smiles.

The Guardian - Arts

"It's time we were allowed to run our own affairs".

The Guardian - Books

"We were allowed 10 minutes on it each," she said.

The Guardian

I don't know how we were allowed to read it.

The Guardian - Books

We were allowed to do anything apart from stand up".

The Guardian

We were allowed to offer prayers and make ablutions.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "we were allowed", ensure the context clearly indicates who granted the permission. This adds clarity and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid assuming that "we were allowed" implies complete freedom. Specify any limitations or conditions associated with the permission to prevent misinterpretations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we were allowed" functions as a passive voice construction, indicating that permission was granted to a group to perform a certain action. As Ludwig AI confirms, this construction adheres to standard grammatical rules and is widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Lifestyle

20%

Books

15%

Less common in

Travel

5%

Wiki

5%

Science

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "we were allowed" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to express that permission was granted to a group. As Ludwig AI confirms, its widespread use across diverse contexts, particularly in news media and lifestyle publications, underscores its versatility and general applicability. When using this phrase, it's crucial to specify who granted the permission and to clarify any limitations associated with it. By considering the related phrases, you can choose the most appropriate alternative to match the specific nuance you want to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we were permitted

Similar to "allowed" but often implies a more official or formal allowance.

we had permission

Emphasizes formal consent or authorization.

we were free to

Emphasizes the absence of restriction or constraint.

we were authorized

Suggests a formal granting of power or right.

we were given leave

Implies a temporary release or permission, often in a structured environment.

we were entitled to

Suggests a right or legitimate expectation.

we gained access

Focuses on the attainment of opportunity or entry.

we were enabled

Highlights the provision of means or opportunity to do something.

we had the opportunity

Shifts focus to the availability of a chance rather than explicit permission.

it was open to us

Indicates an available option or possibility.

FAQs

How can I use "we were allowed" in a sentence?

You can use "we were allowed" to indicate that permission was granted for a specific action. For example, "We were allowed to leave early because we finished the project".

What can I say instead of "we were allowed"?

You can use alternatives like "we were permitted", "we had permission", or "we were authorized" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "we were allowed to go" or "we were allowed going"?

"We were allowed to go" is correct. The phrase "allowed" requires the infinitive form of the verb (to + verb).

What's the difference between "we were allowed" and "we were supposed to"?

"We were allowed" indicates permission, while "we were supposed to" implies an obligation or expectation. For instance, "We were allowed to eat cake" means we had permission, but "we were supposed to finish our vegetables" means it was expected of us.