Permissible

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Permissible" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it to indicate that something is allowed or acceptable within certain rules or guidelines. For example, "The use of mobile phones is permissible during breaks." Alternative expressions include "allowed" and "acceptable."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But he takes a slightly more pragmatic view on contraception, believing that it can be permissible to prevent the spread of disease.

The Guardian

The minister said Foy's award would stand as the attorney general had advised that the "dishonouring of the judgment by the board was not permissible".

The Guardian - Business

His political writings often pushed to the limits of the permissible: he was an eloquent representative of those party insiders who were critical both of the influence of the military-industrial complex and of Russian nationalist currents within the party.

The Guardian

The boundary between home and away distinguished the permissible from the unconstitutional.

The Guardian - Tech

Then, confusion amongst the workforce about what intelligence activities were permissible "allowed contract analysts and government supervisors to collect information about US persons that fell outside of [a JIEDDO component's] foreign intelligence function".

The Guardian

Names, grades, job titles and annual pay rates for most Senior Civil Servants and NDPB officials with salaries higher than the lowest permissible in Pay Band 1 of the Senior Civil Service pay scale to be published from September 2010.

The Guardian

I predict a rapid adoption of the £7.85-an-hour London living wage in their organisations to raise the permissible take-home pay at the top to £310,000 a year (or £157 an hour).

The Guardian - Business

In Italy, on the other hand, the constitutional court retains considerable power to reign in Berlusconi (and is in fact about to decide whether a government law postponing the Cavaliere's trials until he leaves office is permissible or not).

The Guardian - Opinion

None of these functions are related to JIEDDO's mandate, nor permissible by Defense Department regulation.

The Guardian

Bradvines insisted that "had" could never go before a "past-tense verb", and "developed" is a past-tense verb; therefore "had developed" is not permissible.

The Economist

When the Michigan ban is upheld in June, racial preferences will remain constitutionally permissible elsewhere, but the practice seems likely to peter to a halt well in advance of the 2028 date by which Sandra Day O'Connor once predicted it would no longer be necessary.(Photo credit: AFP).

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "permissible", ensure the context clearly defines the rules or standards that determine what is allowed. Specify by whom or what the action is considered permissible.

Common error

Avoid using "permissible" without specifying the governing authority or standard. It should not imply universal acceptance but acceptance within a specific framework. For example, avoid saying "It is permissible" without saying "It is permissible under the company's policy."

Linguistic Context

The word "permissible" functions as an adjective. It describes a noun by indicating that the noun is allowed or authorized according to a particular set of rules, laws, or standards. Ludwig examples demonstrate this usage in contexts ranging from legal regulations to ethical considerations.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Formal & Business

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "permissible" is an adjective indicating that something is allowed within a defined framework of rules or standards. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and frequent use across diverse contexts, particularly in news, business, and legal discussions. While often interchangeable with "allowed" or "permitted", "permissible" tends to carry a slightly more formal tone. When using this word, clarity is key: specify the source or authority that makes something "permissible" to avoid ambiguity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Allowable

A direct synonym, emphasizing the concept of being allowed.

Permitted

Another direct synonym, focusing on the act of permission being granted.

Acceptable

Implies a degree of satisfaction or agreement, beyond simple permission.

Admissible

Suggests being allowed, particularly in legal contexts.

Tolerable

Indicates something is allowed, even if not ideal, but can be endured.

Legitimate

Focuses on the legal or rightful nature of the allowance.

Sanctioned

Emphasizes official approval or authorization.

Lawful

Specifically refers to adherence to the law.

Authorised

Places importance on the concept of authority granting the permission.

Within the rules

Highlights adherence to established regulations or guidelines.

FAQs

How to use "permissible" in a sentence?

Use "permissible" to indicate that something is allowed or authorized within a specific set of rules or guidelines. For example, "The use of personal devices is "permissible" during lunch breaks".

What can I say instead of "permissible"?

You can use alternatives like "allowable", "permitted", or "acceptable" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "permissible" or "allowed"?

"Permissible" and "allowed" are often interchangeable, but "permissible" can suggest a more formal or official authorization. Use either depending on the desired tone.

What's the difference between "permissible" and "tolerable"?

"Permissible" indicates something is explicitly allowed. "Tolerable", on the other hand, suggests something is allowed to happen even if undesirable, implying endurance rather than approval.