an official permit

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "an official permit" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a formal authorization or document that allows someone to do something, typically required by law or regulation. Example: "Before starting construction, you must obtain an official permit from the local authorities."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

18 human-written examples

New laws make it harder to pass through checkpoints with guns, even with an official permit.

The Economist

Arian is a founder of modern Iranian pop and the first group in the Islamic republic to receive an official permit to perform.

The New York Times - Arts

James Benagh, the first New Yorker to be granted an official permit to beg, is understandably circumspect about precisely where he works.

The New York Times

So it is now the official policy of the N.Y.P.D. that chanting political slogans in the street and annoying motorists without an official permit exposes you to the threat of being maced?

The New Yorker

Law-enforcement agencies across the country oppose the bill, in part because shoddy record-keeping would make it difficult for cops to verify that someone actually has an official permit from another state.

The New York Times

In Ireland, as the Guardian reported in May, migrants from Asia and Africa brought to work on fishing trawlers under an official permit scheme stand "a significant chance" of becoming victims of trafficking, with workers paid a fraction of the minimum wage and forced to work dangerously long hours.

The Guardian - Opinion

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

42 human-written examples

They didn't have any official permits, Lord recalls.

The Guardian - Film

Yet the two Frenchmen, along with a band of like-minded listeners, formed a club (they even obtained an official police permit) based on a passionate devotion to Bix and Louis and Eddie Lang and Joe Venuti.

The New Yorker

On Tuesday, his lawyer, Anatoly G. Kucherena, said in an interview that Mr. Snowden had received an official residence permit required for any foreigner to live in the country, though he again declined to discuss his client's exact whereabouts.

The New York Times

Unable to obtain an official work permit because her father was Jewish, she took her mother's maiden name, Signoret, as her professional name and worked primarily as a motion picture extra during the Nazi occupation of France.

Encyclopedia Britannica

In recent years, a huge number of rural workers looking for better jobs have come to Beijing, but many do not have an official residency permit, making them ineligible for the housing available to Beijingers above ground.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about regulations or legal requirements, use "an official permit" to clearly indicate that a formal authorization is needed from a governing body. This helps avoid ambiguity and ensures clarity regarding compliance.

Common error

Avoid using "permission" when "an official permit" is required. "Permission" implies a general allowance, while "an official permit" specifically refers to a formal document granted by an authority, often required for regulated activities.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an official permit" functions primarily as a noun phrase. It identifies a specific type of authorization issued by an authority, granting permission for a particular activity. Ludwig provides examples of its use in contexts ranging from filming locations to possession of firearms.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Science

28%

Formal & Business

14%

Less common in

Academia

8%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "an official permit" is a noun phrase denoting a formal authorization granted by an authority, used to indicate compliance with regulations across various contexts. According to Ludwig, this phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used, particularly in news and media, science, and formal business settings. When using this phrase, ensure clarity by distinguishing it from general "permission" and using it when a document by an authority is required. Always choose "an" instead of "a" before official. Ludwig's analysis confirms that it serves to clearly indicate authorization and adherence to established rules.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

formal authorization

Focuses on the act of authorizing rather than the document itself.

legal permission

Highlights the legality of the allowance.

government license

Specifies the issuing authority as the government.

approved document

Emphasizes the approval aspect of the permit.

validated certification

Suggests a formal certification process.

recognized authorization

Focuses on the recognition and acceptance of the authorization.

chartered right

Implies a right granted by a charter or official document.

sanctioned approval

Highlights the sanctioning body's endorsement.

endorsed license

Emphasizes the endorsement of the license by an authority.

accredited clearance

Suggests that the clearance is provided by an accredited body.

FAQs

How is "an official permit" typically used in a sentence?

Typically, "an official permit" is used to indicate that a formal authorization or document is required or has been obtained, for example: "You need "an official permit" to film there" or "New laws make it harder to pass through checkpoints with guns, even with "an official permit"".

What are some alternatives to "an official permit"?

Some alternatives include "formal authorization", "legal permission", or "government license", depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "a official permit" instead of "an official permit"?

No, it is grammatically incorrect. The correct article to use before "official" is "an" because "official" begins with a vowel sound. Therefore, the proper phrase is ""an official permit"".

What's the difference between "an official permit" and simply "a permit"?

"An official permit" implies that the permit is issued by a recognized authority and carries legal weight. "A permit" is more general and could refer to any type of permission, formal or informal.