obtain clearance

USAGE SUMMARY

'obtain clearance' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe the process of asking for permission and getting approval to do something. For example, "Before we can proceed with the project, we need to obtain clearance from the city government."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

22 human-written examples

Each deal and each foreign owner would have to obtain clearance from the government.

The New York Times

On paper, their chances would appear to be diminished if Green cannot obtain clearance to play following his head injury.

The Guardian - Sport

The new rules, which are subject to approval by the Office of Government Ethics, would require employees to obtain clearance for all securities trades.

The New York Times

Before returning a reporter's call on a particular stock, he said, he first has to obtain clearance from the legal department.

The New York Times

In a bid to strengthen Britain's border controls, airlines and other carriers would have to obtain clearance for passengers before they board and to check their identification against a security database.

The New York Times

Roche, which received European approval for Avastin against colon cancer in January, is the only one of Europe's top five drug makers to obtain clearance for a new product with billion-dollar sales potential this year.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

36 human-written examples

The report found Adani Group had made "an attempt to bypass the statutory procedures" to obtain clearances for the port project, including the construction of an airstrip without an environmental clearance.

The Guardian

But the details of the cases show how cracks in the system may allow employees to obtain clearances without proper vetting.

Huffington Post

Orbitz recently obtained clearance from the Transportation Department.

The New York Times

She said she had obtained clearance from the Manhattan district attorney to speak with Mr. Slovis.

The New York Times

The other task he faced was more bureaucratic: obtaining clearance for Bound Brook to get rid of downed trees and other debris.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing formally, use "obtain clearance" to emphasize a process of seeking and receiving approval, especially from an official body or authority.

Common error

Avoid using incorrect prepositions with "obtain clearance". It's correct to say "obtain clearance from" an authority, not "obtain clearance by" or "obtain clearance with".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "obtain clearance" functions as a verb phrase, where "obtain" is the main verb and "clearance" is its direct object. It describes the action of acquiring permission or approval, often from an authority or regulatory body. Ludwig AI supports this analysis by providing numerous examples of its usage in similar contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

33%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "obtain clearance" is a commonly used phrase indicating the act of acquiring permission or approval, typically from an official source. Ludwig AI analysis confirms it is grammatically correct and primarily used in formal and professional contexts, as supported by examples from news media, scientific publications, and other authoritative sources. When using this phrase, ensure correct preposition usage (e.g., "from" an authority) and consider more informal alternatives like "get approval" in casual settings. Best practice involves using "obtain clearance" to show a formal effort to adhere to official regulatory requests.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

get approval

A more general term for receiving permission; can be used in both formal and informal contexts.

acquire permission

Similar to "get approval" but slightly more formal; highlights the act of gaining consent.

secure authorization

Implies a formal process of getting permission; emphasizes gaining something that was not initially guaranteed.

attain authorization

A more sophisticated way of saying "get authorization", implying effort or a process.

gain the green light

Similar to "receive the go-ahead", indicating permission to proceed, often in a business or project setting.

procure consent

More formal and legalistic; often used when consent is required for legal or ethical reasons.

receive the go-ahead

An idiomatic phrase suggesting that permission has been granted to proceed with something.

earn acceptance

Suggests that approval must be earned through certain actions or qualifications.

warrant affirmation

A formal term for receiving an endorsement, usually in legal contexts

clear channels

Refers to getting proper permission to proceed through established procedures.

FAQs

How do I use "obtain clearance" in a sentence?

You can use "obtain clearance" to describe the process of getting permission or approval for something. For example, "Before starting the project, we need to "get approval" from the city council".

What are some alternatives to "obtain clearance"?

Alternatives include "secure authorization", "get approval", or "acquire permission", depending on the context.

Is it better to say "obtain clearance" or "get clearance"?

"Obtain clearance" is generally more formal than "get clearance". Use "obtain clearance" in formal or professional contexts, while "get clearance" is suitable for more casual situations.

What's the difference between "obtain clearance" and "receive the go-ahead"?

"Obtain clearance" suggests a formal process of seeking approval, while "receive the go-ahead" implies simply being given permission to proceed. The former emphasizes the effort made to gain approval, whereas the latter emphasizes the permission itself.