permit

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "permit" is correct, and it is widely used in written English.
You can use it in a variety of contexts, such as when granting someone permission to do something. For example: "I gave my daughter a permit to stay out until 10pm on the weekend."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The residency permit will allow Snowden to travel out of Russia for the first time, provided he does not stay outside the country for more than three months at a time, Kucherena said.

The Guardian

The disproportionate power of the executive to stifle debate is a widely recognised shortcoming of the Dáil, most starkly illustrated by Kenny's recent refusal to permit a free vote among his party colleagues on the contentious matter of abortion.

The Guardian - Opinion

United signed Rojo from Sporting Lisbon on 19 August but he had to miss the games against Sunderland, MK Dons and Burnley as he was unable to obtain a work permit.

The Guardian - Sport

In fact, no one was supposed to be in the forest without a permit, since it was owned by the Tanzanian government.

The Guardian

Protesters at Veterans Park have negotiated a permit with police, and have the use of the area from 9am-9pm unTuesdaysday.

The Guardian

Its legislature has considered and failed to pass an official moratorium or permanent ban on mining since then, but the government has continued to deny all permit applications.

The Guardian

But in that case, why not permit the use of the heavy roller, which flattened things out considerably in Nottinghamshire's previous home game against Lancashire? Brown described that as "a tactical decision", which left him "very surprised".

The Guardian - Sport

Their residency permit is then cancelled and orders are issued to detain and deport them.

The Guardian

June to September Book it: To Escape To (020 7060 6747; toescapeto.com) has a seven-night trip, combining the Mount Karisimbi area with the Masai Mara in Kenya, from £3,895, including all flights, full board accommodation, transfers, park fees and gorilla trekking permit.

The Guardian - Travel

"The decision on the application has been taken and therefore, starting 1 August 2014, Edward Snowden has received a three-year residential permit," said Anatoly Kucherena.

The Guardian

A new tool on tour operator Tucan Travel's website (tucantravel.com)shows how far in advance visitors planning to trek the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu need to book a permit.

The Guardian - Travel

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "permit" in formal writing, ensure you specify who is granting the permission and under what conditions. For example, "The council will permit construction only if environmental standards are met."

Common error

Avoid using "permit" interchangeably with "allow" in highly formal contexts. While both convey permission, "permit" often implies a more official or documented authorization.

Linguistic Context

The word "permit" functions primarily as a verb meaning to allow or authorize something. It can also function as a noun, referring to a formal document granting permission. Ludwig shows numerous examples of both usages in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Formal & Business

30%

Science

25%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the word "permit" is a versatile term functioning as both a verb and a noun, widely employed to denote allowance or authorization. Ludwig AI confirms that "permit" is grammatically sound and frequently used across diverse contexts. The word is very common especially in News & Media and Formal & Business contexts. As Ludwig's examples show, "permit" is commonly used in discussions about legal authorizations, regulations, and permissions, making it an essential term for both formal and informal communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

allow

A more general term for giving permission; less formal than "authorize".

grant permission

Explicitly states the act of giving permission.

license

Conveys formal authorization, often documented.

authorize

Implies formal approval or sanction, often by someone in authority.

enable

Focuses on making something possible.

sanction

Suggests a formal approval, often by a governing body.

give leave

A more formal or old-fashioned way of saying "allow".

empower

Highlights giving someone the power or authority to do something.

accredit

Implies official recognition or authorization.

countenance

Suggests tolerating or allowing something, often with reluctance.

FAQs

How do you use "permit" in a sentence?

You can use "permit" to indicate giving authorization or allowing something. For example, "The regulations "permit the use" of this equipment only by trained personnel."

What's the difference between "permit" and "allow"?

"Permit" often implies a more formal or official authorization than "allow". While you might "allow someone to leave" early, you need a "permit to build" a house.

Which is correct, "permit to do" or "permit doing"?

The correct form is "permit to do". For example, "The rules "permit students to use" the library until 10 PM."

What can I say instead of "permit"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "authorize", "allow", or "grant permission".