asking for permission

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "asking for permission" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to the act of seeking approval or consent from someone before taking an action. Example: "Before proceeding with the project, I will be asking for permission from my supervisor to ensure everything is in order."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

The first sniper kept asking for permission to open fire.

The New York Times - Magazine

"We're not asking for permission," Ms. Juneau told the group.

The New York Times

He doesn't wait at the checkpoint, asking for permission.

The New York Times

"They are asking for permission to bring us inside".

The New York Times

And unlike a human photographer, Memoto's device isn't capable of asking for permission before snapping.

The Economist

I had a feeling that she wasn't just asking for permission to go to the bathroom.

The New Yorker

"Asking for permission felt like the absolute right thing to do," he said.

The New York Times

Its warships then anchored off Baku, asking for permission only after they had done so.

The Economist

"They wrote to me asking for permission to speak to Roberto.

Independent

In developing its service, Boxee is not always asking for permission.

The New York Times - Tech

The Jets are not alone in asking for permission to film from both end zones.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In situations where consent is implied, it may be more appropriate to focus on actions that demonstrate respect and understanding, rather than literally "asking for permission".

Common error

Avoid using "asking for permission" in very informal settings where a simple, direct approach is more suitable. Instead, opt for phrases like "is it okay if I...?" or "can I...?" to maintain a natural conversational flow.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "asking for permission" functions as a gerund phrase acting as a noun, often serving as the subject or object of a verb or following a preposition. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, this usage is grammatically correct and common.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Wiki

25%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "asking for permission" is a grammatically correct and highly frequent phrase used to describe the act of seeking approval before undertaking an action. As Ludwig AI confirms, its appropriateness varies by context, with formal scenarios often benefiting from synonyms like "seeking authorization" or "requesting consent". While pervasive in news, media, and general knowledge contexts, overuse in informal settings should be avoided in favor of more direct language. The key is to align the phrase's formality with the communicative setting, ensuring clarity and respect for established authority.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

seeking approval

This phrase is a general way of saying you are trying to get a positive response or agreement.

requesting consent

This option focuses on obtaining agreement or approval for a specific action.

inquiring about consent

Focuses on the act of questioning or checking if consent is given.

seeking authorization

This alternative is more formal and emphasizes the act of seeking official approval.

getting clearance

This implies obtaining official approval to proceed, often in security or regulated environments.

applying for authorisation

This option is more formal and often used in official or legal contexts.

soliciting agreement

This suggests actively seeking consensus or approval from others.

obtaining the go-ahead

This is a more informal way of saying getting permission to start something.

petitioning for leave

This phrase implies a formal request for absence or specific action.

checking if it's okay

This alternative is informal and emphasizes ensuring an action is acceptable.

FAQs

How can I use "asking for permission" in a sentence?

You can use "asking for permission" to describe the act of seeking approval before doing something. For example: "He was "asking for permission" to leave early."

What phrases are similar to "asking for permission"?

Alternatives include "seeking approval", "requesting consent", or "seeking authorization". The best choice depends on the context and level of formality.

Is it always necessary to "asking for permission"?

Not always. In many situations, implied consent or established protocols may eliminate the need for explicitly "asking for permission". However, when in doubt, it's always best to seek clarity to avoid misunderstandings.

How does "asking for permission" differ from "begging for forgiveness"?

"Asking for permission" is proactive, seeking approval before an action. "Begging for forgiveness", on the other hand, is reactive, seeking pardon after an action, often when something has gone wrong. It's generally better to "asking for permission" than to beg for forgiveness later.