we were permitted

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "we were permitted" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing permission that was granted to a group of people in the past. Example: "After a thorough review of our proposal, we were permitted to proceed with the project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

38 human-written examples

We weren't at the age yet when we were permitted to date.

The Guardian - Music

Two weeks into the outbreak, we were permitted to see urgent but less dire cases.

The New York Times

Then we were permitted to descend from the balcony and explore.

The New Yorker

We were permitted by our television masters to see her black curly hair.

Independent

We were permitted to see him only for 15 minutes, behind glass.

The New York Times

We were permitted to write it out the night before, but not to read from it in class.

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

21 human-written examples

"When we're permitted to use it, we use it".

The New York Times - Food

MS. BOUNDY: I hope we are permitted to be direct with each other.

The New York Times

"What we would get would be well under what we're permitted for," she said.

The New York Times

"We can do more technologically than we're permitted to culturally," says Tony Weisman of DigitasLBi, a digital-advertising firm.

The Economist

We are permitted to try cases when both sides are ready and the courts can accommodate us.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "we were permitted", ensure the context clearly indicates who granted the permission. Specify the authority or entity that allowed the action to take place for clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "we were permitted" in very informal contexts. Alternatives like "we were allowed" or "we could" might be more appropriate for casual conversation or writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we were permitted" functions as a passive voice construction indicating that a group (we) received authorization or consent to perform an action. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, this phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

35%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Academia

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "we were permitted" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase that signifies permission or authorization was granted. As Ludwig AI validates, the phrase is suitable for various contexts. While versatile, it leans towards a neutral register, making it ideal for news, scientific writing, and formal communications. When in doubt, consider simpler alternatives like "we were allowed" for more informal situations. Remember to clearly indicate who granted the permission for enhanced clarity and precision.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we were allowed

A more informal and common alternative to "permitted".

we had permission

Focuses on the possession of permission rather than the act of being permitted.

we were authorized

Emphasizes official or formal authorization.

we were given leave

Implies a formal granting of permission, often in professional or institutional contexts.

we secured authorization

Highlights the process of gaining official approval.

we were granted the right

Highlights the entitlement or legal basis of the permission.

we obtained consent

Focuses on obtaining agreement or approval, especially for sensitive or regulated activities.

it was permissible for us

Shifts the focus to the permissibility of the action rather than the permission itself.

we were in a position to

Indicates capability and opportunity as a result of an implicit permission.

we had the green light

An idiomatic expression indicating approval to proceed.

FAQs

What's a simpler way to say "we were permitted"?

You can often replace "we were permitted" with the more informal phrase "we were allowed". The best choice depends on the specific context and the desired level of formality.

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

Use "we were permitted" to indicate that someone or some authority gave your group permission to do something. For example: "After showing our credentials, we were permitted to enter the restricted area."

What's the difference between "we were permitted" and "we were required"?

"We were permitted" indicates that something was allowed but not mandatory, while "we were required" means something was obligatory. Permission implies choice; requirement implies obligation.

Are there synonyms for "we were permitted" that are more formal?

Yes, more formal alternatives include "we were authorized", "we were granted leave", or "we received authorization". These options are suitable for official or professional writing.