ask for permission

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "ask for permission" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to indicate that someone should seek approval before taking an action. Example: "Before you proceed with the project, make sure to ask for permission from your supervisor."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Ask for permission.

Harvard Business Review

Beg for forgiveness; don't ask for permission.

The New York Times

"We ask for permission to do it.

The New York Times - Sports

He will always have to ask for permission".

Independent

All he needed to do was ask for permission.

The New York Times

But, he emphasized: "We don't ask for permission.

The New York Times

You've got to ask for permission to protest now.

The Guardian - Opinion

I had to ask for permission to sit down.

The Guardian

They don't ask for permission to do what they do.

Harvard Business Review

Police may ask for permission to search; drivers may decline.

The Washington Post

One rule: ask for permission before touching anyone's iPhone.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When addressing superiors or individuals in authority, "ask for permission" before implementing changes or making decisions that affect them or their responsibilities.

Common error

Avoid assuming that silence or lack of explicit disapproval means you have permission. Always "ask for permission" explicitly to ensure clear communication and avoid misunderstandings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "ask for permission" functions as a verb phrase. It is typically used to request authorization or approval before undertaking an action. Ludwig shows its consistent use across diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Wiki

35%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

7%

Academia

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "ask for permission" is a commonly used and grammatically correct verb phrase employed to seek authorization or approval before undertaking an action. As confirmed by Ludwig, its usage spans across various contexts, including News & Media, Wiki, and Formal & Business settings, indicating its versatility. While generally neutral, the level of formality can be adjusted with appropriate synonyms. When writing, it's important to explicitly "ask for permission" to ensure clear communication, especially in formal environments.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

seek approval

Focuses on the act of obtaining a positive endorsement.

request authorization

Formal alternative implying a structured approval process.

seek clearance

Similar to "seek approval" but often implies checking for obstacles.

obtain consent

Emphasizes agreement, especially in legal or ethical contexts.

gain acceptance

Focuses on being accepted or favorably received.

get the go-ahead

Informal, indicating clearance to proceed.

solicit agreement

Implies an active seeking of accord or consensus.

apply for sanction

Suggests a formal application process for approval.

request leave

Directly asking for time off or absence.

beg leave

An archaic and more formal way of asking for permission.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "ask for permission" in a formal context?

In formal situations, you can use phrases like "request authorization", "seek approval", or "obtain consent".

What's a more informal way to say "ask for permission"?

Informally, you might say "get the go-ahead" or "check if it's okay".

When is it not necessary to "ask for permission"?

Generally, it's not necessary to "ask for permission" when performing tasks that fall clearly within your defined responsibilities or when following established protocols.

Is it ever better to "beg for forgiveness" than "ask for permission"?

The adage "It's better to "beg for forgiveness" than "ask for permission"" suggests taking initiative and dealing with consequences later. However, this approach is risky and should only be considered when the potential benefits significantly outweigh the potential repercussions.