Understanding the nuances of permission and allowance in English is crucial for effective communication. While “forbidden” clearly denotes prohibition, the concepts that express its opposite are more varied and context-dependent.
This article explores the spectrum of words and phrases that convey permission, approval, and allowance, delving into their specific uses and grammatical structures. Whether you’re an English language learner aiming for fluency or a native speaker seeking to refine your understanding, this guide will provide a comprehensive overview of how to express what is *not* forbidden.
This article will benefit students, teachers, and anyone interested in improving their English grammar and vocabulary. By the end, you’ll be able to confidently and accurately use terms like “allowed,” “permitted,” “approved,” and many others to express the concept of something being permissible or encouraged.
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Definition: Opposite of Forbidden
- Structural Breakdown
- Types and Categories of Permission
- Examples of Words and Phrases Expressing Permission
- Usage Rules
- Common Mistakes
- Practice Exercises
- Advanced Topics
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Conclusion
Definition: Opposite of Forbidden
The opposite of “forbidden” encompasses a range of concepts related to permission, allowance, and approval. Fundamentally, it means something is not prohibited. However, the specific word or phrase used to express this depends heavily on the context. We can categorize the opposite of forbidden into several key areas:
- Allowed: This indicates that something is permitted and does not violate any rules or regulations.
- Permitted: Similar to “allowed,” but often used in more formal contexts or when referring to official authorization.
- Approved: This signifies that something has been officially sanctioned or given a positive endorsement.
- Acceptable: This means something meets the required standards or is considered satisfactory.
- Authorized: This term implies that someone has been given official permission or power to do something.
The function of these words and phrases is to indicate that a particular action, behavior, or object is within the bounds of what is considered acceptable or permissible by a given authority, set of rules, or social norm. The context in which these words are used determines the specific nuance they convey.
For example, “allowed” might be used in a school setting (“Students are allowed to use the library after school”), while “approved” might be used in a business context (“The company’s budget was approved by the board of directors”).
Structural Breakdown
The words and phrases that express the opposite of “forbidden” can be used in various grammatical structures. Here’s a breakdown of some common patterns:
- Passive Voice: “Smoking is allowed in designated areas.” (Subject + is/are + allowed/permitted/approved + prepositional phrase)
- Modal Verbs: “You may enter the building.” (Subject + may/can/could + base form of verb)
- Adjective + Noun: “This is an approved method.” (Adjective + noun)
- Verb + Infinitive: “The regulations permit you to appeal the decision.” (Verb + subject + infinitive)
- With “to be”: “It is acceptable to ask for help.” (It + is + adjective + to + base form of verb)
Understanding these structural patterns will help you to construct grammatically correct sentences when expressing permission or allowance. Pay attention to the specific verb tenses and prepositions used in each structure to ensure accuracy.
Types and Categories of Permission
Permission can be categorized based on its formality, explicitness, and the context in which it is granted.
Formal Permission
Formal permission is typically granted by an authority figure or official body, and it is often documented in writing or communicated through official channels. Examples include permits, licenses, and official approvals.
Examples of formal permission:
- A driver’s license
- A building permit
- A visa
- Written consent from a parent or guardian
- Approval from a supervisor for a project
Informal Permission
Informal permission is granted in everyday situations, often verbally, and it may not be explicitly stated. It is based on social norms, personal relationships, and implicit understandings.
Examples of informal permission:
- Asking a friend if you can borrow their car.
- Getting a nod from a colleague to use the conference room.
- Receiving a smile from a stranger when you hold the door open.
- Knowing that you can eat food at a party because it is offered.
- Assuming you can sit at an empty table in a cafe.
Implied Permission
Implied permission is not explicitly stated but is understood or inferred from the circumstances. It is based on common sense, established practices, or the absence of explicit prohibition.
Examples of implied permission:
- Walking on a public sidewalk.
- Using a public park during opening hours.
- Entering a store during business hours.
- Reading a book in a library.
- Attending a free public event.
Explicit Permission
Explicit permission is clearly and directly stated, leaving no room for ambiguity. It is often communicated through written or verbal instructions.
Examples of explicit permission:
- A sign that says “Employees Only.”
- A teacher saying, “You may start the exam now.”
- A website asking for your consent to use cookies.
- A parent saying, “You are allowed to stay up late tonight.”
- A contract stating, “The licensee is authorized to use the trademark.”
Examples of Words and Phrases Expressing Permission
Here are some examples of how to use the words and phrases that express the opposite of “forbidden” in different contexts.
Examples Using “Allowed”
The word “allowed” indicates that something is permitted and does not violate any rules or regulations. The following table contains 20 examples of “allowed” used in different contexts:
| Sentence | Context |
|---|---|
| Students are allowed to use calculators during the exam. | Academic |
| Employees are allowed to take a 30-minute lunch break. | Workplace |
| Pets are not allowed in the restaurant. | Public space |
| You are allowed to park your car in this designated area. | Traffic regulation |
| Visitors are allowed to enter the museum free of charge on Sundays. | Cultural institution |
| Children under 12 are not allowed to watch this movie without parental supervision. | Entertainment |
| Passengers are allowed to bring one carry-on bag on the plane. | Travel |
| You are allowed to ask questions during the presentation. | Presentation/Meeting |
| Athletes are allowed to use performance-enhancing drugs if they have a medical prescription. | Sports |
| Residents are allowed to decorate their apartments as they wish, within certain guidelines. | Housing |
| You are allowed to bring food and drinks into the park. | Public space |
| The software is allowed to access your location data. | Technology |
| He is allowed to visit his grandmother in the hospital. | Healthcare |
| We are allowed to use the company’s equipment for personal projects after hours. | Workplace |
| You are allowed to express your opinion freely. | Social/Political |
| Customers are allowed to return items within 30 days of purchase. | Retail |
| Patients are allowed to request a second opinion from another doctor. | Healthcare |
| Tenants are allowed to have pets, with the landlord’s approval. | Housing |
| New members are allowed to join the club at any time. | Community |
| Participants are allowed to use their notes during the open-book exam. | Academic |
Examples Using “Permitted”
The word “permitted” is similar to “allowed” but is often used in more formal contexts or when referring to official authorization. The following table contains 20 examples of “permitted” used in different contexts:
| Sentence | Context |
|---|---|
| Smoking is only permitted in designated areas. | Public space/Regulation |
| You are permitted to enter the restricted area with proper authorization. | Security |
| The company is permitted to operate under the terms of the license. | Business/Legal |
| Visitors are permitted to take photographs, but flash photography is prohibited. | Museum/Cultural institution |
| Students are permitted to submit their assignments online. | Academic |
| Employees are permitted to work from home on Fridays. | Workplace |
| The use of cell phones is not permitted during the meeting. | Meeting/Etiquette |
| You are permitted to appeal the decision within 30 days. | Legal/Administrative |
| The contractor is permitted to begin construction after obtaining the necessary permits. | Construction/Legal |
| Only authorized personnel are permitted to access the server room. | IT/Security |
| Parking is only permitted in marked spaces. | Traffic |
| The government is permitted to collect taxes to fund public services. | Government/Finance |
| You are permitted to download the software after agreeing to the terms of service. | Technology |
| The hospital is permitted to share patient information with insurance companies, with consent. | Healthcare/Legal |
| The police are permitted to use force only when necessary and proportionate. | Law enforcement |
| The university is permitted to conduct research on human subjects, subject to ethical review. | Academic/Ethical |
| The airline is permitted to increase fares during peak season. | Business/Travel |
| The landlord is permitted to enter the property for repairs, with notice. | Housing/Legal |
| The company is permitted to advertise its products, subject to regulations. | Business/Advertising |
| Citizens are permitted to protest peacefully. | Political/Social |
Examples Using “Approved”
The word “approved” signifies that something has been officially sanctioned or given a positive endorsement. The following table contains 20 examples of “approved” used in different contexts:
| Sentence | Context |
|---|---|
| The project proposal was approved by the board of directors. | Business/Management |
| This medication is approved for use in treating high blood pressure. | Healthcare/Pharmaceutical |
| The building plans were approved by the city council. | Construction/Government |
| The curriculum has been approved by the education department. | Education |
| The loan application was approved by the bank. | Finance |
| The research study was approved by the ethics committee. | Research/Ethical |
| The budget was approved by the finance department. | Finance/Management |
| The software has been approved for use in government agencies. | Technology/Government |
| The new policy was approved by the management team. | Workplace/Management |
| The design was approved by the client. | Design/Business |
| The travel expenses were approved by the supervisor. | Workplace/Finance |
| The training program was approved by the human resources department. | Workplace/HR |
| The use of the equipment was approved by the safety officer. | Workplace/Safety |
| The marketing campaign was approved by the marketing team. | Business/Marketing |
| The request for vacation time was approved by the manager. | Workplace/HR |
| The changes to the contract were approved by the legal department. | Business/Legal |
| The use of external consultants was approved by the CEO. | Business/Management |
| The purchase of new equipment was approved by the purchasing department. | Business/Finance |
| The implementation of the new system was approved by the IT department. | Business/Technology |
| The proposal to expand the business was approved by the shareholders. | Business/Finance |
Examples Using “Can,” “May,” and “Could”
Modal verbs like “can,” “may,” and “could” are often used to express permission. “May” is generally considered more formal than “can.” “Could” can express polite permission or a possibility.
The following table contains 20 examples of “can,” “may,” and “could” used to express permission in different contexts:
| Sentence | Context |
|---|---|
| You can use my phone if you need to make a call. | Informal/Personal |
| May I ask a question? | Formal/Polite |
| Could I borrow your pen, please? | Polite/Request |
| Students can leave the classroom when the bell rings. | Academic |
| Visitors may enter the building during visiting hours. | Public space |
| Employees can access the company network with their credentials. | Workplace/IT |
| You may sit here. | Offering permission |
| Could I have some water, please? | Polite request |
| Passengers can board the plane now. | Travel |
| You may begin the exam. | Formal/Academic |
| Can I help you with anything? | Offering assistance |
| May I see your identification, please? | Formal/Request |
| Could I speak to the manager, please? | Polite request |
| You can park your car in any of the available spaces. | Traffic |
| Visitors may take photographs, but without flash. | Public space |
| Can I use your computer for a few minutes? | Informal/Personal |
| May I suggest an alternative approach? | Formal/Professional |
| Could I have your attention, please? | Polite request |
| You can find more information on the website. | Providing guidance |
| May I offer you a drink? | Offering hospitality |
Examples Using Other Phrases
Various other phrases can be used to express the opposite of “forbidden,” depending on the specific nuance you want to convey. The following table contains 20 examples of this, using phrases such as “it is acceptable,” “you have the right,” and “it is permissible”:
| Sentence | Context |
|---|---|
| It is acceptable to ask for help when you are struggling. | General/Advice |
| You have the right to remain silent. | Legal |
| It is permissible to use this software for non-commercial purposes. | Legal/Software |
| You are welcome to join us for dinner. | Social/Invitation |
| It is alright to express your opinions respectfully. | Social/Freedom of speech |
| You are free to leave whenever you like. | General/Freedom |
| It is in order to proceed with the next step. | Procedure/Business |
| You are authorized to access the restricted files. | IT/Security |
| It is legitimate to seek legal advice. | Legal |
| You are entitled to a refund if the product is defective. | Consumer rights |
| It is considered appropriate to dress formally for the interview. | Etiquette/Professional |
| You are welcome to take a break whenever you need one. | Workplace |
| It is generally understood that you should tip the server. | Social/Etiquette |
| You are empowered to make decisions on behalf of the company. | Workplace/Management |
| It is customary to exchange gifts during the holiday season. | Cultural/Social |
| You are granted permission to use the copyrighted material for educational purposes. | Legal/Education |
| It is considered respectful to listen attentively when someone is speaking. | Social/Etiquette |
| You are invited to attend the conference. | Professional/Invitation |
| It is within your discretion to choose the best course of action. | Professional/Decision-making |
| You are eligible for the scholarship. | Academic/Financial aid |
Usage Rules
Understanding the specific rules for using words and phrases that express permission is essential for clear and accurate communication.
Rules for Using “Allowed”
- “Allowed” is often used in the passive voice: “Students are allowed to…”
- It can be followed by an infinitive: “You are allowed to enter.”
- “Allowed” implies that there is a rule or regulation that permits the action.
Rules for Using “Permitted”
- “Permitted” is more formal than “allowed.”
- It is often used in legal or official contexts.
- Like “allowed,” it can be used in the passive voice or followed by an infinitive.
Rules for Using “Approved”
- “Approved” indicates official sanction or endorsement.
- It is often used to describe plans, projects, or policies.
- “Approved” can be used as an adjective: “an approved method.”
Rules for Using “Can,” “May,” and “Could” for Permission
- “Can” is generally used for informal permission or ability.
- “May” is used for formal permission or polite requests.
- “Could” is used for polite suggestions or possibilities, and can also be used for polite requests.
- When asking for permission, “May I…” is more formal than “Can I…”
General Rules and Considerations
- Consider the context when choosing the appropriate word or phrase.
- Be aware of the level of formality required.
- Pay attention to the grammatical structure of the sentence.
- Ensure that the permission is clear and unambiguous.
Common Mistakes
Here are some common mistakes that English language learners make when using words and phrases that express the opposite of “forbidden,” along with corrections:
| Incorrect | Correct | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| You are allow to go. | You are allowed to go. | “Allowed” needs to be in its correct form. |
| Smoking is permit here. | Smoking is permitted here. | “Permitted” is the correct past participle form. |
| The project was approve. | The project was approved. | “Approved” is the correct past participle form. |
| Can I to go to the bathroom? | May I go to the bathroom? | “May” is more appropriate in formal situations. |
| You are authorize to do that. | You are authorized to do that. | Correct spelling of “authorized”. |
| It’s alright to do that, isn’t it? | It is alright to do that, isn’t it? | Using the full form “it is” for clarity in formal writing. |
| You are free for leaving now. | You are free to leave now. | Using the correct infinitive form “to leave”. |
| I can borrow your car? | May I borrow your car? / Can I borrow your car? | “May” is more formal when asking for permission, “Can” is acceptable informally. |
| He is permit using the lab. | He is permitted to use the lab. | “Permitted” requires the infinitive “to use.” |
| The design was approve from the manager. | The design was approved by the manager. | Using the correct preposition “by.” |
Practice Exercises
Test your understanding of the opposite of “forbidden” with these practice exercises.
Exercise 1: Fill in the Blanks
Fill in the blanks with the appropriate word or phrase (allowed, permitted, approved, can, may, could).
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Students are ______ to use the library after school. | allowed |
| Smoking is not ______ in this building. | permitted |
| The project proposal was ______ by the committee. | approved |
| ______ I ask a question? | May |
| You ______ use my computer if you need to. | can |
| ______ I borrow your pen for a moment? | Could |
| Only ______ personnel are allowed access. | authorized |
| It is ______ to wear casual clothes on Fridays. | acceptable |
| You are ______ to park here. | permitted |
| The new policy was ______ by the CEO. | approved |
Exercise 2: Sentence Transformation
Rewrite the following sentences using a different word or phrase that expresses the same meaning.
| Original Sentence | Rewritten Sentence |
|---|---|
| You can enter the building. | You are allowed to enter the building. |
| Smoking is not allowed here. | Smoking is forbidden here. |
| The proposal was approved by the board. | The board approved the proposal. |
| May I use your phone? | Can I use your phone? |
| It is acceptable to ask for help. | You are allowed to ask for help. |
| You are authorized to access the system. | You have permission to access the system. |
| It is all right to be late sometimes. | It is acceptable to be late sometimes. |
| You are free to leave. | You are welcome to leave. |
| He is permitted to use the lab. | He is allowed to use the lab. |
| This plan has been approved. | This plan meets all requirements. |
Exercise 3: Error Correction
Identify and correct the errors in the following sentences.
| Incorrect Sentence | Correct Sentence | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| Students are allow to use calculators. | Students are allowed to use calculators. | Corrected the verb form of “allow”. |
| Smoking is permit only in designated areas. | Smoking is permitted only in designated areas. | Corrected the verb form of “permit”. |
| The project was approve by the manager. | The project was approved by the manager. | Corrected the verb form of “approve”. |
| Can I to borrow your pen? | Can I borrow your pen? | Removed unnecessary “to”. |
| You are authorize to access the system. | You are authorized to access the system. | Corrected the spelling of “authorized”. |
| It’s alright do that. | It’s alright to do that. | Added the infinitive “to”. |
| You are free for leave whenever you want. | You are free to leave whenever you want. | Corrected the preposition to “to” with the infinitive. |
| She is permit using the equipment. | She is permitted to use the equipment. | Corrected to “permitted to use”. |
| The design was approve from the client. | The design was approved by the client. | Corrected preposition to “by”. |
| May I going to the restroom? | May I go to the restroom? | Removed unnecessary “going to”. |
Advanced Topics
For advanced learners, here are some more complex aspects of expressing permission.
Nuances of Modal Verbs in Expressing Permission
Modal verbs like “can,” “may,” “could,” and “might” can all be used to express permission, but they have subtle differences in meaning and formality. “May” is generally considered the most formal and polite, while “can” is more informal.
“Could” can express a polite suggestion or possibility, while “might” suggests a more remote possibility.
For example:
- You may leave the room now (formal permission).
- You can use my phone (informal permission).
- You could try asking the manager (polite suggestion).
- You might be able to get a discount (remote possibility).
Permission in Conditional Sentences
Conditional sentences can be used to express permission that is contingent on certain conditions being met. For example:
- If you have a valid ticket, you are allowed to enter the concert.
- If you complete all the requirements, you will be granted a degree.
- Unless you have prior authorization, you are not permitted to access the restricted area.
These types of sentences allow you to express permission in a more nuanced and specific way.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Here are some frequently asked questions about the opposite of “forbidden.”
- What is the difference between “allowed” and “permitted”?
“Allowed” and “permitted” are very similar in meaning, both indicating that something is not prohibited. However, “permitted” is generally considered more formal and is often used in official or legal contexts, while “allowed” is more common in everyday conversation.
- When should I use “may” instead of “can” to ask for permission?
Use “may” when you want to be more formal and polite, especially when asking someone in authority or someone you don’t know well. “Can” is acceptable in informal settings with friends and family.
- What is the difference between “approved” and “accepted”?
“Approved” means that something has been officially sanctioned or endorsed, while “accepted” means that something is considered satisfactory or meets the required standards. “Approved” implies a more formal process of evaluation and authorization.
- Can “could” be used to give permission?
While “could” is more commonly used to make polite requests or suggestions, it can also be used to imply permission in certain contexts. For example, “You could use my laptop if you need to” implies that you are giving someone permission to use your laptop.
- How do I express that something is not required but is still okay to do?
You can use phrases like “You don’t have to, but you can if you want,” “It’s not mandatory, but it’s allowed,” or “It’s optional, but you’re welcome to do it.” These phrases indicate that the action is permissible but not obligatory.
- Is it correct to say “You are authorize to…”?
No, the correct phrasing is “You are authorized to…” “Authorize” is a verb, and in this context, you need the past participle “authorized” to function as an adjective describing the subject.
- What is the difference between “authorize” and “allow”?
“Authorize” implies giving official permission or power to do something, often in a formal or legal context. “Allow” is more general and can refer to both formal and informal permission.
Conclusion
Mastering the art of expressing permission and allowance is crucial for effective communication in English. By understanding the nuances of words like “allowed,” “permitted,” “approved,” and modal verbs like “can,” “may,” and “could,” you can confidently and accurately convey the opposite of “forbidden” in various contexts.
Remember to consider the level of formality, the specific meaning you want to convey, and the grammatical structure of the sentence to ensure clarity and precision in your language use. With practice and attention to detail, you can confidently navigate the complexities of expressing permission in English.