I cannot permit this

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I cannot permit this" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when expressing disapproval or refusal to allow something to happen. Example: "After careful consideration, I must inform you that I cannot permit this action to take place."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

I cannot permit this film any claim to authenticity or truthfulness.

The Guardian - Film

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

After only fifteen to twenty men showed up for the February 2nd inspection of an entire regiment, Jackson warned, "I cannot permit the Laurels of Louisiana to be tarnished by the Lurking Demon of discord".

The New Yorker

"But what I cannot permit is that they say I can't be president just because I am a woman".

The New York Times

Yet Tibetans are taking such great risks that I cannot permit myself to stop blogging," she said in an interview with Radio Netherlands last December.

The Guardian

"Clearly I cannot permit a situation where Conservative rebels can pick and choose the parts of the contract they like, while Liberal Democrat MPs are bound to the entire agreement".

BBC

"What I cannot permit, as governor … is [people taking justice] in their own hands.

Los Angeles Times

"I cannot permit that they interrogate my soldiers who have until now not committed a single crime," Cienfuegos said in the interview shown Tuesday morning on Televisa newscasts.

Vice

"I cannot permit that the soldiers be treated like criminals That's my position and I do not think that I can or should move, because I would lose a lot of who I am".

Vice

We cannot permit this".

The Guardian

We, of course, cannot permit this.

The Guardian

If anything we have more desire to win, because we cannot permit this to continue".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing formally, ensure the tone matches the gravity of the situation. Using this phrase implies a serious stance and should be supported by clear reasoning.

Common error

While grammatically sound, overuse of "I cannot permit this" in casual conversation can sound overly formal or even pompous. Opt for simpler alternatives like "I can't allow that" or "That's not okay" to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I cannot permit this" functions as an explicit expression of disapproval and exercise of authority. It signifies that the speaker is unwilling to allow a specific action or situation to proceed. As Ludwig AI states, the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Science

17%

Formal & Business

17%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "I cannot permit this" is a grammatically correct and widely used phrase to express strong disapproval and assert authority. Ludwig AI confirms its validity in written English. While its assertive tone makes it suitable for diverse contexts, be mindful of the audience and situation to avoid sounding overly formal. Consider alternatives like "I cannot allow this" or "this is unacceptable" to tailor the message to the specific context. The phrase is commonly found in news and media, scientific publications, and formal business communications, reflecting its versatility in expressing firm refusal or disapproval.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I cannot allow this

Uses the synonym "allow" instead of "permit", maintaining a very similar meaning and level of formality.

This is unacceptable

States that something is not satisfactory or allowable, conveying a direct disapproval.

I disapprove of this

Directly expresses disapproval, focusing on personal feelings about the situation.

I forbid this

Emphasizes authority and a strong prohibition, making it a more forceful statement.

This is out of the question

Indicates something is not a possibility, highlighting its unacceptability.

This is not permissible

Uses a more formal tone to state that something is not allowed or authorized.

I do not consent to this

Indicates a lack of agreement or approval, particularly in situations requiring permission.

I reject this

Conveys a firm refusal or denial, often used in response to proposals or ideas.

This is prohibited

States that something is officially banned or forbidden, typically by a rule or law.

I will not tolerate this

Expresses a lack of endurance or acceptance for something, suggesting a strong aversion.

FAQs

What does "I cannot permit this" mean?

The phrase "I cannot permit this" means that you do not allow something to happen. It expresses disapproval and a refusal to grant permission for a particular action or situation.

When is it appropriate to use "I cannot permit this"?

It's appropriate to use "I cannot permit this" when you want to express a strong sense of disapproval or when you have the authority to prevent something from happening. It is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, depending on the situation and your relationship with the person you are addressing.

What can I say instead of "I cannot permit this"?

You can use alternatives like "I cannot allow this", "this is unacceptable", or "I disapprove of this" depending on the specific context and the level of formality required.

Is "I cannot permit this" grammatically correct?

Yes, "I cannot permit this" is grammatically correct. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct and usable in written English.