ask permission from

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "ask permission from" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when you want to indicate that someone should seek approval or consent from another person before proceeding with an action. Example: "Before making any changes to the project, please ask permission from your supervisor."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

"You ask permission from the rural police," he explains.

The Guardian

You have to ask permission from the director, the costume designer, the prop designer, the producer.

The New York Times

(You forget to ask permission from your probation officer to leave the state).

The New York Times - Magazine

"I'll have to ask permission from the government to live my life," Mr. Loop said.

The New York Times

If you want to record, make sure that you ask permission from the person you're interviewing.

The Guardian

It is something of a point of honour never to ask permission from the authorities.

The Guardian - Arts

The partnership plans to ask permission from the commission in about 90 days, he said.

The New York Times

BUYING BASICS Foreigners can own property in Latvia outright, but "you have to ask permission from the local municipality," Mr. Smits said.

The New York Times

"Going back to remote communities out west, women still have to ask permission from old men to speak up and talk," she says.

The Guardian - Arts

"It's ridiculous to watch our mayor continually be forced to ask permission from people who represent farmers on the Canadian border.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

And why shouldn't Google have to ask permission from the legal copyright holder before scanning the work in any case?

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing formally, specify who the permission is needed from to ensure clarity. For example, instead of saying "You must "ask permission from"", specify "You must "ask permission from" the supervisor".

Common error

Avoid vague statements by clearly stating what needs permission. Saying "Remember to "ask permission from"" lacks clarity; instead, specify "Remember to "ask permission from" your manager before accessing sensitive data."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "ask permission from" functions as a verb phrase indicating the act of requesting authorization or approval from someone. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage across various contexts. The examples show it's commonly used when someone needs to obtain consent before taking an action.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Wiki

34%

Science

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "ask permission from" is a commonly used and grammatically correct expression that indicates the act of requesting authorization or approval. As highlighted by Ludwig AI, it appears frequently in news, media, and wiki contexts, with a neutral register suitable for a variety of situations. When using this phrase, it's important to specify who the permission is needed from and what action requires permission to avoid ambiguity. While versatile, more formal alternatives like "request authorization from" may be preferred in professional settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

request authorization from

Focuses on the formal act of seeking official approval.

seek consent from

Emphasizes obtaining agreement or assent from someone.

get the go-ahead from

An informal way to say you need approval to proceed.

obtain clearance from

Highlights the need to pass a formal check or receive authorization.

secure approval from

Implies making efforts to ensure permission is granted.

gain sanction from

Suggests acquiring formal endorsement or ratification.

check with

A more casual way to say you need to get someone's opinion or approval.

touch base with

Indicates a brief communication to get approval or inform someone.

run it by

Informal way of saying to present something to someone for their approval.

consult with

Emphasizes seeking advice or guidance before proceeding.

FAQs

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

In formal contexts, you can use phrases like "request authorization from", "seek approval from", or "obtain clearance from" to maintain a professional tone.

What are some informal alternatives to "ask permission from"?

Informally, you might say "get the go-ahead from", "check with", or "run it by" to maintain a casual tone.

When is it necessary to "ask permission from" someone?

It's necessary to "ask permission from" someone when you need authorization, approval, or consent before proceeding with an action that affects them or requires their agreement. This could range from borrowing a personal item to undertaking a major project at work.

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

"Ask permission from" is a general phrase that emphasizes the act of requesting approval. "Seek consent from" specifically highlights the need to obtain agreement or assent, particularly in contexts involving ethical or legal considerations.