permits

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "permits" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing allowances or authorizations for actions or behaviors. Example: "The new policy permits employees to work from home two days a week."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The need to introduce residence permits to restrict access to public services and welfare benefits for new migrants stems from the simple fact that despite the Home Office's £800m "e-borders" project nobody's passport is stamped with the date they entered Britain.

The Guardian

But any irony involved in a coalition government that came to power pledging to scrap identity cards introducing a system of foreign residence permits will be lost as the political parties indulge in "a race to the bottom" over immigration.

The Guardian

The 2 million people from other EU states who live in Britain will be forced to have resident permits or identity cards if David Cameron is to fulfil his pledge to make rules on access to public services for new migrants the toughest in Europe.

The Guardian

The camera trap also permits [us] to discover new species and to confirm some species as golden cats, gigantic pangolin, ratel [or honey badger]." McPhee's work, which he is currently crafting into a master's thesis, is not going unnoticed.

The Guardian

"There is no clear legal framework, within the Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act 2000 or otherwise, that permits the vast collection and storage of communications carried out by Tempora.

The Guardian

Iran permits more sex-change operations than any other country, except Thailand, and has long subsidised such surgeries.

The Guardian

The online calendar shows how many permits are still available for given dates and also has lots of tips.

The Guardian - Travel

The court finds the special permits issued by Japan are not for purposes of scientific research pursuant to article 8 of the international convention for the regulation of whaling (ICRW).

The Guardian

The late, great Sir David Frost once said that television was "an invention that permits you to be entertained in your living room by people you wouldn't have in your home".

The Guardian

It also requires workers to secure exit permits from their employers before leaving.

The Guardian

They also don't know how data can be crossed from various sources, don't know how online advertisers, Google, Facebook, etc. buy and sell data, how facial recognition software permits other data crosses.

The Guardian - Tech

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing official authorizations, use "permits" to emphasize the formal and regulated nature of the allowance, especially in legal, governmental, or environmental contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "permits" in casual conversations or when discussing everyday allowances. Opt for words like "allows" or "lets" in informal contexts, as "permits" carries a sense of official or legal authorization.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "permits" is as a plural noun, referring to multiple instances of official authorizations or documents allowing specific actions. It can also function as a third-person singular present tense verb, as seen in Ludwig's observation that the phrase is correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Formal & Business

17%

Science

15%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "permits" is a versatile term primarily functioning as a plural noun signifying official authorizations, but also used as a verb meaning to allow. According to Ludwig, the term is considered correct and usable in written English. Its applications span various contexts, particularly in news, business, and regulatory environments. While generally neutral in tone, it carries a connotation of formality, making it less suitable for casual conversation. Its frequency and authoritative source presence underscores its widespread recognition and usage. Be mindful of using appropriate synonyms like "authorizations", "licenses", or "permissions" to best fit the context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

authorizations

Refers specifically to formal permissions or sanctions, often legal or official.

licenses

Implies a formal document granting permission to engage in a specific activity.

permissions

A more general term for allowing something to happen, lacking the formal connotation of "permits".

approvals

Highlights the act of officially agreeing to or endorsing something.

sanctions

Often refers to official permission or approval, especially in the context of international relations or regulations.

clearances

Suggests a process of being checked and approved, often for security or regulatory purposes.

vouchers

Indicates a document that serves as permission or entitlement to something, often a service or product.

entitlements

Focuses on the right or condition of being entitled to something.

allowances

Refers to the act of permitting something or the amount permitted.

warrants

Implies a legal document authorizing a specific action, such as a search or arrest.

FAQs

How do you use "permits" in a sentence?

The word "permits" can be used as a verb meaning to allow something, as in, "The law permits this action." It is also the plural form of the noun "permit", meaning an official document allowing something, as in, "You need to obtain the necessary permits before starting construction."

What can I say instead of "permits"?

Alternatives to "permits" include "allows", "authorizes", "licenses", or "approves", depending on the specific context.

Which is correct, "permits" or "allows"?

Both "permits" and "allows" are correct, but "permits" often implies a more formal or official authorization than "allows".

What is the difference between "permits" and "licenses"?

"Permits" are general permissions or authorizations, while "licenses" are specific, often legal, authorizations to perform a certain activity or operate a business.