applied for permission

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "applied for permission" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to the act of formally requesting approval for something, such as a project, leave, or access. Example: "She applied for permission to use the conference room for her presentation."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science & Research

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Pilate has applied for permission to video record Bucklew's execution.

The Guardian

Several smaller airlines have also applied for permission.

The New York Times

Elan applied for permission to sell the drug, Prialt, in Europe in May.

The New York Times

He said he has already applied for permission from the ministry of culture.

The Guardian

Already, a man has applied for permission to reopen the roundhouse as a food concession.

The New York Times

North Shore is expanding its emergency room, and New York-Presbyterian has applied for permission to expand.

The New York Times

Toll Brothers has applied for permission to build 26 luxury homes at Ridge Road and Meeting House Lane.

The New York Times

Last week, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention applied for permission to use anthrax vaccine on these terms.

The New York Times

He applied for permission to visit Romand in jail, and then acquired press credentials for his trial.

The New York Times - Books

The disgraced entertainer Rolf Harris has applied for permission to appeal against his convictions for a string of indecent assaults.

Independent

Many plants have applied for permission to raise their power output, and some of those approvals may also be delayed.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "applied for permission", ensure the context clearly indicates who is applying, the authority from whom permission is sought, and the specific action or purpose for which permission is needed. This enhances clarity and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

A common error is to use incorrect prepositions after "applied", such as "applied to permission" instead of "applied for permission". Always use "for" to indicate the purpose of the application.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "applied for permission" functions as a verb phrase indicating the action of formally requesting authorization or consent. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a correct and usable phrase. Examples show its use in various contexts, from legal matters to routine requests.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science & Research

20%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Academia

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "applied for permission" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to indicate the formal act of seeking authorization, as confirmed by Ludwig. Its formality sits in a neutral to professional register, commonly appearing in news, scientific, and business contexts. The phrase is straightforward, clear, and can be replaced by alternatives like "requested authorization" or "sought approval" depending on the desired nuance. Remember to use the correct preposition "for", and specify the context for clarity. Ludwig's examples showcase its versatility across various domains.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

sought approval

A direct synonym, emphasizing the act of looking for an affirmative response.

filed an application

Highlights the act of submitting a formal request. It's neutral and suitable for various contexts.

asked for authorisation

A more formal version of the original, using the British spelling of "authorization".

requested authorization

Emphasizes the formal aspect of seeking official approval. It's slightly more formal than the original phrase.

sought consent

Highlights the act of seeking agreement or approval, often in legal or ethical contexts. It is a more formal alternative.

petitioned for leave

Specifically refers to requesting permission, usually for absence from duty or a specific action within an organization.

lodged a request

Implies a formal submission of a request, often in bureaucratic settings.

obtained clearance

Focuses on receiving the necessary approval rather than the act of asking. It suggests a successful application.

put in a request

A less formal way of saying the same thing, suitable for everyday conversations.

made an appeal

This suggests a more urgent or critical need for permission, often implying a previous refusal.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "applied for permission" to sound more formal?

To sound more formal, you can use phrases like "requested authorization" or "sought consent". These alternatives convey a sense of formality and official procedure.

Is it always necessary to specify who granted the permission when using "applied for permission"?

While not always necessary, specifying the granting authority adds clarity and context. For example, "applied for permission from the council" is more informative than simply "applied for permission".

What is the difference between "applied for permission" and "asked for permission"?

"Applied for permission" generally implies a more formal or official request, often involving a written application. "Asked for permission" can refer to a more informal, verbal request.

What are some common situations where someone might use "applied for permission"?

People commonly use "applied for permission" when seeking approval for building projects, research studies, leave from work, or access to restricted areas. It's a versatile phrase applicable to many contexts.