formal permission

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "formal permission" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to an official approval or authorization required for an action or decision. Example: "Before proceeding with the project, we need to obtain formal permission from the board of directors."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Unfortunately, for daredevil Nik Wallenda, it also requires formal permission from local bureaucrats.

Independent

Ms. White then sought formal permission from Ms. Reno, who has the final say.

The New York Times

But the United States improperly did so six weeks before getting formal permission, the W.T.O. said.

The New York Times

Others have arranged rooftop birthday celebrations and weddings, operating with formal permission of the buildings they use.

The New York Times

She also asked that three American pro-democracy groups be granted formal permission to operate in the country, a request the Egyptians rejected.

The New York Times

NDI was even given formal permission to conduct monitoring for the country's first democratic elections, following the fall of Hosni Mubarak.

The Guardian

Mr. Soumare, an illegal immigrant from Mali, received formal permission from immigration officials to re-enter the United States after traveling to West Africa to bury his family.

The New York Times

Next week, world crises permitting, No 10 will give formal permission for an application to be made to build a third runway at Heathrow airport.

The Guardian

As at some tournaments last fall, laptop computers have been banned from the stands unless their owners secure formal permission from the organizers.

The New York Times - Sports

European officials say Mr. Mugabe, like other leaders, has applied for a visa to visit Lisbon and that formal permission will be granted next week.

The New York Times

After three years of being treated by him, and writing about him, I finally ask formal permission to interview him - for this piece, in fact.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When seeking "formal permission", clearly state the purpose, scope, and duration of the activity or request to avoid ambiguity and potential rejection.

Common error

Don't assume that informal consent or verbal agreements are sufficient when "formal permission" is required. Always obtain written or officially documented approval to avoid legal or procedural issues.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "formal permission" functions primarily as a noun phrase, referring to the act or state of being officially allowed or authorized to do something. It is often the object of a verb, such as 'obtain', 'seek', 'grant', or 'receive'. According to Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

31%

News & Media

56%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "formal permission" is a grammatically sound and frequently used noun phrase signifying official authorization. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and widespread applicability across various domains, including science, news, and business. When using this phrase, ensure you are referring to a documented and officially approved allowance, and always check specific requirements for obtaining such permission in relevant contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

formal approval

Direct synonym emphasizing the structured and official nature of the permission.

formal consent

Synonymous, emphasizes agreement and approval.

official authorization

Replaces 'permission' with 'authorization' emphasizing the official nature.

explicit consent

Focuses on the clarity and directness of the granted approval.

written approval

Highlights that the permission is documented in writing.

official sanction

Implies a more authoritative and regulatory form of permission.

due authorization

Highlights that the authorization was properly obtained.

legal clearance

Emphasizes that the permission satisfies legal requirements.

official endorsement

Focuses on the support and approval from an authority.

granted leave

Indicates formal allowance or authorization, often within organizational contexts.

FAQs

How is "formal permission" typically obtained?

Obtaining "formal permission" usually involves submitting a written request, completing required forms, and receiving official approval from the relevant authority or governing body. The specific process varies depending on the context.

What happens if you proceed without "formal permission"?

Proceeding without "formal permission" can lead to penalties, legal repercussions, project delays, or invalidation of actions taken. It's crucial to ensure you have proper authorization before proceeding.

What's the difference between "formal permission" and informal consent?

"Formal permission" involves an official process, documentation, and approval from a designated authority. Informal consent, on the other hand, is a less structured agreement that may not carry the same legal or procedural weight. For similar terms you can consider "official authorization" or "explicit consent".

What are some synonyms for "formal permission"?

Synonyms for "formal permission" include "official approval", "explicit consent", "written approval", and "legal clearance", depending on the specific context.