asking for clearance

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "asking for clearance" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when requesting permission or approval for something, often in formal or professional contexts. Example: "I am currently asking for clearance from my supervisor before proceeding with the project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

"The U.A.E. was asking for clearance to send U.S. weapons," said one former official.

The New York Times

If the plane sits at the gate for an hour before asking for clearance to taxi, it is not considered late.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

A new protocol required all government scientists to ask for clearance from the PMO before speaking publicly.

The Guardian

They asked for clearance from Sue Gray, the Cabinet Office official in charge of policing the code, to take part in the byelection.

The Guardian

He enjoys the reaction of air traffic controllers when he calls to ask for clearance to use an airport: "You ask the tower, 'Can I drive down your runway really fast and take off?' " When he and his wife lived in Florida several years ago, they often flew the Aerocar from Daytona Beach to Orlando.

The New York Times - Travel

By the end of September, RBS will have paid the minimum fee of 2.5 billion pounds and can ask for clearance to leave.

Huffington Post

The aircraft asked for clearance at 14 42 10; this was granted, and the air control informed that the wind at the west end was between 210° and 290°, varying from 18-34 kn.

Wikipedia

That's great Theranos is asking for FDA clearance and hopefully other biotech companies dealing with significant tests results relating to our health do the same.

TechCrunch

If you don't want to spend too much money, consider going to a game store and asking for the clearance section.

WikiHow

Sturridge's left-wing cross was asking for a routine clearance but St Ledger swung at the ball and what little connection he did make succeeded only in turning it against Whelan from virtually point-blank range.

The Guardian - Sport

And now President-elect Trump is asking for Top-Secret clearances for his two sons and son-in-law Jared Kushner, who are being tasked to run his more than 200 business affiliations.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "asking for clearance", ensure the context clearly indicates what specific approval or permission is being sought. Be precise to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "asking for clearance" when you mean "asking for clarification". "Clearance" implies seeking permission, while "clarification" means seeking a clearer understanding.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "asking for clearance" functions as a verbal phrase indicating the act of requesting permission or approval. The examples provided by Ludwig show its use in diverse contexts, such as seeking authorization from government bodies or air traffic control.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "asking for clearance" is a grammatically sound and usable expression for requesting permission or authorization. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is accurate, although it's important to use it precisely to avoid ambiguity. While the phrase is not extremely common, with only a few examples, it appears frequently in news media and other formal contexts, indicating its relevance in official and professional settings. The phrase conveys the purpose of seeking formal approval, often with a neutral register tending towards formal, depending on the situation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

requesting permission

Focuses specifically on seeking consent for an action.

seeking approval

Highlights the need for a positive endorsement.

submitting a clearance request

Emphasizes the act of formally submitting a request.

applying for authorization

Emphasizes a formal process of gaining official consent.

obtaining consent

Highlights the act of getting a positive agreement.

seeking the green light

An idiomatic expression implying approval to proceed.

petitioning for permission

Suggests a formal and possibly persistent request.

inquiring about authorization

Focuses on making an enquiry to see if it is possible to gain authorization.

seeking sanction

Focuses on gaining formal approval or ratification.

applying for accreditation

Implies a request for an official recognition or validation of certain standards.

FAQs

What does "asking for clearance" mean?

The phrase "asking for clearance" means requesting permission or approval to do something, often in a formal or official context. It implies that some form of authorization is required before proceeding.

What can I say instead of "asking for clearance"?

You can use alternatives like "requesting permission", "seeking approval", or "applying for authorization", depending on the context.

In what situations is it appropriate to use the phrase "asking for clearance"?

It's appropriate in situations where formal permission is needed, such as a pilot "asking for clearance" to take off, a government scientist "asking for clearance" before speaking publicly, or a company "asking for clearance" from a regulatory body.

Is "asking for clearance" formal or informal?

The phrase "asking for clearance" leans toward the formal side, as it suggests an official process. However, its level of formality can vary depending on the specific context in which it's used.