get permission to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "get permission to" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you need to express the act of obtaining approval or consent for a specific action or request. Example: "Before proceeding with the project, I need to get permission to access the confidential files."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Airlines can't get permission to expand fleets.

The Washington Post

He must get permission to tape phone calls.

The New York Times

Coaches travel by car and must get permission to fly.

The New York Times - Sports

I had gone to get permission to travel to Nuba.

The New York Times - Magazine

"I can't get permission to put ticks on people".

The New Yorker

Mr. Mills had to have a number of conversations to get permission to take the photo.

The New York Times

You apply to Isis to get permission to dig," the dealer says.

Independent

"I struggled to get permission to visit him for the first time after his trial.

Independent

They must also get permission to enter yards and other private areas adjoining homes.

The New York Times

Rodríguez could not get permission to see Morgan, who had been placed in detention.

The New Yorker

In Hungary, if you had family in Romania, you couldn't get permission to see them.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "get permission to", clearly state who you are seeking permission from and what specific action requires approval. This ensures clarity and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid vague requests for permission. Instead of saying "I need to get permission to do this", specify who grants the permission and what "this" entails. For example: "I need to "get approval from" the supervisor to access the client database".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "get permission to" functions as an infinitive phrase, typically acting as a verb complement within a sentence. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and usable form. Examples show it introducing the action requiring approval.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

25%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "get permission to" is a versatile and commonly used expression for indicating the need to obtain authorization before undertaking an action. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically sound and appropriate for various contexts, though more formal settings might benefit from synonyms like "obtain authorization". Usage is frequent in news, wikis and science, therefore it is considered appropriate in a wide range of different situations. When using this phrase, clarity is key. Specify who is granting the permission and what action requires it to avoid ambiguity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

obtain authorization to

Emphasizes formal approval, often from an authority figure.

secure approval to

Highlights the effort involved in getting approval.

seek consent to

Focuses on obtaining agreement or assent, often in sensitive situations.

request authorization to

Highlights the act of asking for authorization.

ask for leave to

Suggests a formal request, typically in a work or institutional setting.

gain clearance to

Implies overcoming obstacles to receive approval.

receive the green light to

An idiomatic expression indicating final approval has been granted.

be authorized to

Focuses on the state of being allowed or empowered to do something.

be given leave to

Indicates that permission has been formally granted.

have the go-ahead to

Indicates an informal approval or confirmation to proceed.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "get permission to" in a formal context?

In formal settings, you can use phrases such as "obtain authorization to", "seek approval to", or "request permission to" for a more professional tone.

What's a more casual way to say "get permission to"?

Informally, you might say "get the go-ahead to", "get clearance to", or simply "be allowed to" depending on the context.

How do I use "get permission to" correctly in a sentence?

Ensure the sentence structure is clear. For instance, "You need to "get permission to" use the copyrighted material" clearly indicates who needs permission and for what purpose.

Is there a difference between "get permission to" and "ask for permission to"?

"Get permission to" implies a successful acquisition of permission, whereas "ask for permission to" only indicates the act of requesting, regardless of the outcome. For example, I "asked for permission to", but I didn't "get permission to".