permitting

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "permitting" is correct and is used in written English.
It is generally used as a verb to mean to give permission or to allow something to happen. For example, "The instructor permitted the students to work in groups."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"There are no laws prohibiting it and the permitting is pretty much the same as for a rodeo," said Dickens.

The Guardian - Sport

After that we look north to Montreal vs Seattle (Sat 4pm, Olympic Stadium, RDS/Q13 Fox), weather permitting (it's a bit cold).

The Guardian - Sport

She accuses the prime minister of neglecting wise counsel (including, we presume, her own) and permitting a drift away from "commitment to the rule of law" and "international justice".

The Guardian - Opinion

Tides permitting, you can get as far as Lerryn and lunch at the 16th-century Ship Inn, provided you can circumnavigate the mud - tales of trapped visitors are legendary in these parts.

The Guardian - Travel

The Republicans roll into Tampa next week – hurricanes permitting – for their national convention where Mitt Romney will be officially confirmed as the party's candidate for president.

The Guardian

"Essentially, I wasn't allowed to make any contact with anybody," Church told the Guardian, in contradiction of a police guidance on permitting phone calls and legal counsel to arrestees.

The Guardian

Arze also says the new law violates indigenous peoples' rights, and permitting oil and gas operations in "protected areas" in the Amazon in particular could cause "enormous problems".

The Guardian

"We maintain the position of not permitting the oil company to enter," Cesar Nacua Uakui, from a village called Estirón on the Peruvian side, told the meeting.

The Guardian

Passed in 2008, Section 702 retroactively gave cover of law to a post-9/11 effort permitting the NSA to collect phone, email, internet and other communications content when one party to the communication is reasonably believed to be a non-American outside the United States.

The Guardian

Despite the arbitration process, Andrea Atell, a spokeswoman for Oceana, says the company's "strong preference is to negotiate an outcome to the permitting impasse".

The Guardian

Nearly nine out of ten Latinos support Obama's policy of permitting young undocumented immigrants who were brought to the US as children to remain and work in the country.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "permitting" in formal writing, ensure that the context clearly indicates who is granting the permission and under what conditions. For example: "The regulations are permitting the use of recycled materials in construction."

Common error

Avoid using "permitting" in passive constructions where the actor granting permission is unclear or omitted. Instead of saying "The action was permitting", specify who was permitting the action for clarity.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "permitting" is as a verb in its present participle or gerund form. As Ludwig confirms, it indicates the action of granting authorization or allowing something to occur. Examples from Ludwig illustrate its use in describing ongoing or conditional permissions.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Formal & Business

25%

Science

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "permitting" functions primarily as a verb form indicating the action of granting permission or authorization. As Ludwig and its examples indicate, it is commonly used in formal and news contexts, though can also be found elsewhere. Understanding its grammatical function and typical usage contexts is crucial for effective communication. Common alternatives include "allowing", "authorizing" and "enabling". Be mindful of passive voice constructions, and strive for clarity by specifying the actor granting permission. While "permitting" is a correct and frequently used term, context and purpose should always dictate word choice.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

allowing

This is a direct synonym, focusing on the act of granting permission.

authorizing

Implies a more formal or official permission than "permitting".

licensing

Suggests granting a formal license to do something.

enabling

Focuses on making something possible or providing the means for it to happen.

giving leave

A more formal and somewhat archaic way of saying "permitting".

granting permission

More explicit and formal than "permitting", emphasizing the act of giving permission.

giving the go-ahead

An informal phrase suggesting approval to proceed.

sanctioning

Indicates official approval or endorsement.

endorsing

Suggests support or approval, often in a public way.

giving consent

Emphasizes agreement or willingness to allow something.

FAQs

How can I use "permitting" in a sentence?

You can use "permitting" as a verb in sentences like, "The new regulations are "allowing" businesses to operate with fewer restrictions," or, "Weather "allowing", we will hold the event outdoors."

What are some alternatives to using "permitting"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives such as "allowing", "authorizing", or "enabling". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "permitting" formal or informal?

"Permitting" is generally considered neutral to formal. While it can be used in informal contexts, it is more commonly found in professional, legal, or news-related writing.

What is the difference between "permitting" and "allowing"?

While "permitting" and "allowing" are often interchangeable, "permitting" can imply a more formal or official authorization. "Allowing" is a more general term for giving consent or not preventing something.