permanent

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "permanent" is a correct and usable word in written English.
You can use it to describe something that is intended to be in effect for a long time and will not change. For example, "The new policy is permanent and no further changes are expected to be made."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Some of the damage, he says, is "probably permanent".

The Guardian

More employers, at 46%, plan to hire temporary contractors, and only half of them expect that these workers will transition into full-time, permanent hires.

The Guardian - Money

Or, putting the geography to one side, to mid-table in the most watched league in world football via one relegation, a painful administration and 11 different managers – permanent, interim or caretaker – at Palace alone.

The Guardian - Sport

Despite Moscow's statements that troops had been withdrawn to their home bases, only a few units have returned to their place of permanent deployment, the analysts said.

The Guardian

Jason Gillespie has been shielded from questions regarding the job of England head coach, while his director of cricket at Yorkshire, Martyn Moxon, has admitted that the rumours linking the Australian with the role are in danger of becoming a permanent distraction to England's champion county.

The Guardian - Sport

It shifts her gaze to the US in 12 stories that explore the experiences of husbands and wives, parents and children, immigrants and permanent residents.

The Guardian

Stuart McCall, who played for the Bantams in those Premier League seasons and had a spell as their permanent manager from 2007 to 2010 after a caretaker stint in 2000, says: "The Chelsea game will go down as the best result regardless of what happens between now and the end of the season.

The Guardian - Sport

The Shepherd's Life: A Tale of the Lake District (Allen Lane) is out next month SM The Texas state capital's vibrant food truck scene nurtured the phenomenon that is Franklin Barbecue, which has been putting the queue into barbecue at permanent premises since 2011.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

What those opposite need to understand is this Government will not provide permanent visas to those who arrive illegally by boat.

The Guardian

The legal order to support this is dependent on the specific circumstances of the child, but there are now many possibilities, including adoption, special guardianship and permanent foster care.

The Guardian

Dr Etienne Krug, the WHO's director for injury prevention has said that there are simple preventive actions that can easily prevent such permanent damage – without stopping you enjoying yourself.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing something as "permanent", ensure it accurately reflects the long-term nature of the subject. Avoid using "permanent" if the situation is likely to change or has a defined end date.

Common error

Avoid using "permanent" to describe situations that are likely to change or have a defined end date. For instance, referring to a temporary agreement as a "permanent solution" can be misleading.

Linguistic Context

The word "permanent" primarily functions as an adjective, modifying nouns to indicate a state of long-lasting or indefinite duration. Ludwig AI confirms this use across numerous examples. It describes the intended lifespan or stability of something, making it a key descriptor in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Formal & Business

30%

Science

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "permanent" functions as an adjective signifying long-lasting or indefinite duration. Ludwig AI's analysis reveals its widespread use across various domains, particularly in News & Media and Formal & Business contexts. Its grammatical correctness and consistent application across authoritative sources contribute to a high expert rating. When using "permanent", ensure the described subject is genuinely intended to endure long-term to avoid misrepresentation. Considering alternatives like "lasting" or "enduring" can add nuance to your writing. This detailed linguistic profile underscores the importance of precise language and context-aware usage.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

lasting

Focuses on the duration or continuation of something over time.

enduring

Emphasizes the ability to withstand change or adversity over a long period.

perpetual

Suggests something that continues indefinitely or eternally.

fixed

Implies something is set and unchangeable in its position or state.

stable

Highlights the consistency and resistance to change of something.

irrevocable

Indicates that something cannot be undone or reversed.

unalterable

Stresses the impossibility of changing or modifying something.

lifelong

Relates specifically to something that lasts for the duration of a person's life.

eternal

Indicates something that is timeless and without beginning or end.

established

Implies something that is well-settled and unlikely to change.

FAQs

How can I use "permanent" in a sentence?

You can use "permanent" to describe things that are intended to last for a very long time or indefinitely. For example: "The company offered him a "permanent position"" or "The stain on the carpet appears to be "permanent"".

What words can I use instead of "permanent"?

Depending on the context, you can use words like "lasting", "enduring", "perpetual", or "fixed" as alternatives to "permanent".

Is it correct to say "more permanent"?

While grammatically correct, "more permanent" can sometimes sound redundant. It is better to use a stronger adjective or rephrase the sentence. For example, instead of "a more permanent solution", consider "a "lasting solution"" or "a "durable solution"".

What is the difference between "permanent" and "temporary"?

"Permanent" describes something that is intended to last indefinitely, while "temporary" describes something that is intended to last for a limited time. They are antonyms, representing opposite ends of a duration spectrum.