everything is permitted

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "everything is permitted" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in discussions about morality, ethics, or philosophical concepts, often implying a lack of restrictions or rules. Example: "In a world where everything is permitted, one must consider the consequences of their actions."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Lifestyle

Books

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

49 human-written examples

Is it true, as Ivan Karimazov said, that "If God does not exist, then everything is permitted?" Fundamentalists, from Pennsylvania avenue to Pakistan, say yes.

The Guardian - Opinion

Everything is permitted.

The Guardian - Opinion

Everything is for sale and everything is permitted?

The New York Times - Arts

Now, everything is permitted and nothing is heard.

The New York Times - Books

The conventional view is that Machiavelli believed that since people are brutes then everything is permitted.

The New York Times

Here at The Foundry, in true Burroughs style, "everything is permitted".

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

11 human-written examples

A land where he could be his true, appetitive self and everything was permitted.

The New Yorker

Suddenly everything was permitted and he became devoted to the pleasures of the flesh ("My true church is a whorehouse").

The Guardian - Books

But on the principle that operated before the HRA, that everything was permitted in law except that which was expressly forbidden, telephone tapping could not be declared unlawful.

The Guardian - Opinion

"And were they doing it because the victims were Jews, or because the Nazis destroyed any sense of morality so everything was permitted?

The Guardian

Politicians representing French-speaking Belgians "let this situation rot, and fingers are pointing at all of Belgium because everything was permitted in Molenbeek," said Bart De Wever, the mayor of Antwerp and the leader of the separatist New Flemish Alliance party, in an interview last weekend with Belgium's Echo business daily.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use the phrase sparingly to emphasize a significant lack of constraints, whether positive or negative.

Common error

Avoid using the phrase in everyday situations where a more casual expression would suffice. The phrase carries a weight that can sound overly dramatic if misapplied.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "everything is permitted" functions as a statement of unrestricted allowance. As Ludwig AI indicates, it's grammatically correct and widely recognized. The phrase effectively conveys the idea that no action is forbidden or restricted.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

10%

Lifestyle

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Books

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "everything is permitted" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression that conveys the absence of restrictions, whether moral, legal, or otherwise. As Ludwig AI indicates, it's widely recognized and used in various contexts, primarily within News & Media, but also in academic, scientific, and literary discussions. While it's a powerful phrase for emphasizing a lack of constraints, caution is advised against overuse in casual settings to prevent sounding overly dramatic. Alternatives such as "everything is allowed" or "anything goes" can be more suitable for less formal situations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

everything is allowed

Replaces 'permitted' with 'allowed', offering a slightly more informal tone.

anything goes

An idiomatic expression suggesting a lack of rules or restrictions.

there are no limits

Focuses on the absence of boundaries or restrictions.

all actions are permissible

A more formal and legalistic way of saying that actions are not forbidden.

no holds barred

An idiom indicating that all restraints have been removed.

everything is acceptable

Suggests a broad tolerance or approval of various actions or behaviors.

there are no rules

Directly states the absence of regulations or guidelines.

licence to do anything

Implies a freedom to act without accountability or restraint.

full freedom of action

Emphasizes the unrestricted ability to act as one chooses.

the sky's the limit

An idiom suggesting that there are no constraints on possibilities or achievements.

FAQs

How can I use "everything is permitted" in a sentence?

You can use "everything is permitted" to describe a situation where there are no rules or moral constraints. For example: "In this experimental community, "everything is permitted", leading to both innovation and chaos."

What does "everything is permitted" mean?

The phrase "everything is permitted" generally means that there are no moral or legal restrictions on actions. It often implies a sense of freedom, but can also carry a connotation of moral ambiguity or anarchy.

What are some synonyms for "everything is permitted"?

Some synonyms for "everything is permitted" include "anything goes", "there are no limits", and "everything is allowed". These phrases all suggest a lack of restrictions or constraints.

Is "everything is permitted" a positive or negative concept?

The connotation of "everything is permitted" depends on the context. It can be seen as positive if it implies freedom and creativity, or negative if it suggests a lack of morality and potential for chaos.