were permitted

USAGE SUMMARY

'were permitted' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when describing a hypothetical situation where something was allowed. For example: "If they had applied for a visa before the deadline, they would have been permitted to travel."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

No exceptions were permitted.

The New York Times

No ladies were permitted to….

The New Yorker

Only Walkers crisps were permitted.

The Guardian

Contemporary references were permitted, however.

The New York Times

Rubber bands were permitted, yes.

The New Yorker

No cosmetics or jewelry were permitted.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Mulligans were permitted, one per hole.

The New York Times

Concomitant buspirone, triiodothyronine and lithium were permitted.

Nature

Cats were permitted to roam freely inside.

The Washington Post

In the end, no questions were permitted.

The New York Times

Multiple responses to questions were permitted.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "were permitted" to indicate that something was officially or formally allowed. It's particularly useful in describing regulations, rules, or past situations where permission was granted.

Common error

Avoid using "were permitted" in very informal contexts. Simpler alternatives like "were allowed" might be more appropriate in casual conversations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "were permitted" functions as a passive construction indicating that someone or something received authorization or allowance to do something. Ludwig AI confirms this usage is grammatically correct and widely accepted.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

35%

Academia

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "were permitted" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase to express that something was allowed or authorized. As Ludwig AI indicates, this passive construction appears predominantly in news, scientific, and academic contexts, suggesting a neutral to formal register. When choosing alternatives, consider the context; "were allowed" serves as a simpler substitute in less formal scenarios. Remember to use "were permitted" when emphasizing that an action or condition had official or formal approval.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

were allowed

This alternative uses a simpler and more direct synonym for "permitted".

were granted permission

This is a more explicit and emphatic way of saying "were permitted".

were authorized

This implies a more formal or official permission than "permitted".

were given consent

This highlights the act of consent being given, making it more active.

were cleared to

This suggests having passed a necessary check or hurdle.

were entitled

This suggests a right or qualification to do something, rather than just permission.

were sanctioned

This implies official approval or endorsement.

had leave to

This is a slightly more formal or archaic way of saying "were permitted".

were empowered to

This suggests having the power or authority, not just permission.

were enabled to

This focuses on the means or ability being provided, rather than just permission.

FAQs

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

The phrase "were permitted" is used to indicate that actions or conditions were allowed or authorized. For example, "Visitors "were permitted" to enter the museum free of charge on Sundays".

What's a simple substitute for "were permitted"?

A straightforward substitute for "were permitted" is "were allowed". It conveys the same meaning of granting authorization but in a less formal way.

How does "were permitted" differ from "were required"?

"Were permitted" indicates allowance or authorization, while "were required" indicates an obligation or necessity. One implies a choice, the other a mandate.

Is "were permitted" suitable for formal writing?

Yes, "were permitted" is suitable for formal writing, such as legal documents, academic papers, or official reports. Its formality level makes it appropriate for such contexts.