ask permission

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "ask permission" is correct and usable in written English.
It is used to refer to the act of seeking approval or consent for something before taking action. For example: "Before I left the house, I asked my parents' permission."

✓ Grammatically correct

Wiki

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

(You must ask permission).

The New York Times - Travel

Don't ask permission.

The Guardian

They don't ask permission.

Harvard Business Review

Why don't you ask permission?

The New Yorker

ExxonMobil did not ask permission.

The New Yorker

Men like these don't ask permission.

The New Yorker

"You have to ask permission to enter".

The Guardian

And they don't even ask permission.

The New York Times

Ask permission before taking pictures.

BBC

Because it's polite to ask permission first.

TechCrunch

This requires Facebook to ask permission beforehand.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "ask permission", be specific about what you are seeking permission for to avoid ambiguity. For example, instead of saying "ask permission", say "ask permission to use the equipment".

Common error

Avoid assuming that silence or lack of explicit denial equates to permission. Always proactively "ask permission" to ensure clear understanding and respect for boundaries.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "ask permission" functions as an imperative verb phrase, typically used to instruct or advise someone to seek approval before acting. Ludwig AI shows that this phrase is used across various contexts, emphasizing the importance of seeking consent or authorization.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Wiki

43%

News & Media

35%

Formal & Business

22%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "ask permission" is a grammatically correct and very common imperative verb phrase used to instruct or advise seeking approval before acting. Ludwig AI data shows its prevalence across diverse contexts, particularly in Wiki, News & Media, and Formal & Business settings. The phrase emphasizes compliance, respect for boundaries, and conflict avoidance. While suitable for neutral to informal communication, its directness makes it versatile across different registers. Remembering to "ask permission" promotes clear communication and consideration in various situations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

seek consent

Focuses on obtaining agreement or approval, often in personal or ethical contexts.

request authorization

Formal alternative, emphasizing the act of seeking official approval.

apply for approval

Highlights the act of making a formal request for permission.

obtain clearance

Suggests a more formal or official process of gaining permission.

get a green light

An idiomatic expression for receiving approval to proceed.

get the go-ahead

Informal, indicating that permission has been granted to proceed.

look for sanction

Focuses on seeking formal approval or endorsement for an action.

beg leave

An archaic or highly formal way of requesting permission.

check if it's okay

More casual and less formal way of asking if something is permissible.

inquire about propriety

Formal way of asking if an action is appropriate or permissible.

FAQs

How to use "ask permission" in a sentence?

You can use "ask permission" in various contexts. For example: "You must "ask permission" before entering", or "Always "ask permission" before filming in public".

What's the difference between "ask permission" and "seek consent"?

"Ask permission" is a general term, while "seek consent" often implies a more formal or ethical context, particularly concerning agreements or approvals.

What can I say instead of "ask permission"?

Alternatives include "request authorization", "obtain clearance", or "get the go-ahead", depending on the context.

Is it better to "ask permission" or "beg forgiveness"?

While the saying "better to "beg forgiveness" than ask permission" exists, it's generally advisable to "ask permission" beforehand to avoid potential negative consequences or misunderstandings.