getting permission

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "getting permission" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to the act of obtaining consent or approval for something. Example: "Before proceeding with the project, we need to ensure we are getting permission from all stakeholders involved."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

He had no trouble getting permission.

The New Yorker

The magazine has worked on getting permission for months.

The New York Times

Getting permission to land can be another hassle altogether.

The New York Times

Or getting permission to walk down a private lane.

The New York Times - Travel

Getting permission for a coal-fired plant can take years.

The Economist

That required getting permission from local, state and federal offices.

The New York Times

Not just the getting permission but setting them up.

The Guardian - Film

"We are talking to band managers about getting permission to do more.

Independent

The area is city parkland and Mr. Sudeith executed the carvings without getting permission.

The New York Times

Getting permission to convert arable land to other uses is difficult.

The Economist

"We are getting permission from tweeters, so it's not really an issue.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing formal requests, specify the exact action, timeframe and resources for which you are "getting permission". This provides clarity and avoids ambiguity, increasing the likelihood of a favorable response.

Common error

Avoid assuming that silence or lack of explicit denial equates to "getting permission". Always seek explicit approval to prevent misunderstandings and potential conflicts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "getting permission" functions as a verb phrase typically used as a gerund. It describes the action of obtaining authorization or consent for something. Ludwig examples demonstrate this usage in various contexts, confirming its role in expressing the act of seeking approval.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

25%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

10%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "getting permission" is a grammatically sound and common expression used to describe the process of obtaining authorization or consent. As indicated by Ludwig, it is applicable across various registers, from informal to formal, and appears frequently in news, scientific, and general informational contexts. When using this phrase, remember to be explicit in your requests and avoid assuming consent. Consider using alternatives like "obtaining authorization" or "securing approval" for more formal scenarios.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

obtaining authorization

Focuses on a formal process of gaining official approval.

securing approval

Emphasizes the act of making approval certain or guaranteed.

acquiring consent

Highlights the agreement or permission given, often in a legal or ethical context.

seeking clearance

Implies a process of being cleared or authorized, often in a bureaucratic or security-related scenario.

requesting authorization

Underscores the act of formally asking for permission.

applying for approval

Refers to the formal submission of an application to get authorization.

pursuing consent

Highlights a continued effort to obtain agreement.

procuring endorsement

Suggests gaining support or approval from someone influential.

gaining leave

Specifically refers to obtaining permission to be absent, typically from work or duty.

enlisting sanction

Focuses on gaining official permission or approval, sometimes from an authority.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "getting permission" for a formal context?

In formal settings, consider using phrases like "obtaining authorization", "securing approval", or "acquiring consent" to convey a more professional tone.

What's the difference between "getting permission" and "getting approval"?

"Getting permission" generally refers to seeking consent for a specific action, while "getting approval" often implies a more formal process where something is officially endorsed or ratified. The terms are often interchangeable, however.

Is it ever okay to proceed without "getting permission"?

In situations where waiting for permission would cause significant harm or delay, it might be necessary to act first and seek ratification later. However, this approach should be exercised cautiously and only when justifiable.

What are some common challenges in "getting permission" for research?

Challenges can include navigating ethical review boards, "getting consent" from participants, ensuring data privacy, and adhering to legal and institutional requirements.