it seems permissible

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it seems permissible" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when expressing that something appears to be allowed or acceptable based on the information or context available. Example: "Based on the guidelines provided, it seems permissible to proceed with the project as planned."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

It seems permissible to fail to have a preference between two options.

SEP

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

It popularises an offensive term, making it seem permissible in the workplace, pub and playground.

The Guardian - Opinion

The dangerous events in Dallas, in which 12 policemen were shot, made it seem permissible to repurpose a robot to apply lethal force.

The Guardian - Opinion

But it still seems permissible to pull the lever, yet wrong to push the man off the bridge.

SEP

It's easy to see and criticize obsessive worrying in others, but that kind of endless worrying suddenly seems permissible, excusable and even required when it's you who feels vulnerable or victimized.

Huffington Post

The occasional far-fetched fantasy — adopting a Kenyan boy who "conquers the N.F.L. and then Harvard Medical" — seems permissible.

The New York Times - Books

In other contexts, the liberal substitution of co-referential terms or phrases seems permissible in ascribing belief.

SEP

If stringent egalitarian duties to needy people arise only because the needy participate in a scheme of cooperation with the non-needy, then strategic action to avoid the duties seems permissible.

SEP

Maimonides says that at first sight this kind of predication may seem permissible, but more exact speculation proves that it is incorrect, since there is no true relation between God and what is other than God (Guide I.52, transl. Pines p. 120).

SEP

Keeping my sexuality from my parents had always seemed permissible, so our sit-down chat did not stress me out as much as it might have.

The New York Times - Magazine

What she discovered was that in many states a law more ambitious than Baltimore's -- one that didn't apply to only city contractors but to all local businesses -- seemed permissible.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it seems permissible" when you want to express that something appears to be allowed based on available information, without making a definitive statement. This conveys a sense of provisional acceptance or tentative approval.

Common error

Avoid using "it seems permissible" when you have definitive knowledge or authority to declare something as absolutely permissible. Instead, use a more assertive phrase like "it is permissible" or "it is allowed" when the situation warrants it.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it seems permissible" functions as an assessment of possibility or acceptability. It suggests that based on available information, something is likely allowed but doesn't state it definitively. As shown in Ludwig, this phrase often introduces a degree of uncertainty.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

38%

News & Media

38%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

6%

Wiki

6%

Reference

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it seems permissible" serves as a nuanced way to express that something is likely allowed or acceptable, without definitive commitment. Ludwig AI analysis confirms its grammatical correctness and consistent usage across diverse contexts, predominantly in science, news, and media, as well as formal business communications. While alternatives like "it appears acceptable" exist, "it seems permissible" offers a unique balance of formality and tentativeness. When using this phrase, ensure that the context warrants a degree of uncertainty, rather than a firm declaration.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it appears to be allowed

Focuses on the appearance of being allowed, using simpler vocabulary.

it seems acceptable

Replaces "permissible" with the more common synonym "acceptable".

it appears to be acceptable

Combines both alterations above for additional simplicity.

it is seemingly allowable

Uses "allowable" and "seemingly" to offer a slight variation in tone and vocabulary.

it is apparently permissible

Substitutes "apparently" for "seems" to emphasize the evident nature of permission.

it looks like it's allowed

Uses a more informal and visual interpretation of the phrase.

it gives the impression of being permissible

Focuses on the impression or feeling that something is permissible.

it might be permissible

Expresses a slightly more hesitant or uncertain allowance.

it could be considered permissible

Highlights that the permissibility is subject to consideration or opinion.

the situation suggests it's permissible

Emphasizes that the permissibility is derived from the situation or context.

FAQs

What does "it seems permissible" mean?

The phrase "it seems permissible" indicates that something appears to be allowed or acceptable, based on the available information or circumstances. It suggests a level of uncertainty or provisional acceptance, rather than a definitive declaration of permissibility.

How can I use "it seems permissible" in a sentence?

You can use "it seems permissible" to express that something appears to be allowed, such as, "Based on the current regulations, "it appears to be allowed" to proceed with the project."

What are some alternatives to saying "it seems permissible"?

Alternatives to "it seems permissible" include "it appears acceptable", "it is seemingly allowable", or "it might be permissible". The choice depends on the specific context and the level of certainty you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "it seems permissible" instead of "it is permissible"?

Use "it seems permissible" when you want to express a degree of uncertainty or provisional acceptance. If you have definitive knowledge or authority to declare something permissible, use "it is permissible" instead.