requesting authorization

USAGE SUMMARY

"requesting authorization" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it in formal communications, such as emails or reports, when seeking permission or approval for an action. Example: "I am requesting authorization to proceed with the project." Alternative expressions include "seeking approval" and "asking for permission."

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

Once finalized, the company can begin requesting authorization of data transfers.

Columbia University

Summoned urgently by telephone to Juin's villa, Darlan agreed to send a radio message to Pétain requesting authorization to deal with the situation on Pétain's behalf.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Major General Michael Dunlavey, who succeeded him, sent a memo to his commanders later that year requesting authorization to use harsher interrogation techniques.

The New Yorker

His lawyers, Theodore Cox and Joshua Bardavid, said that back in the early-90's when he first came to the U.S., Mr. Nikpreljevic's mother submitted a petition on his behalf requesting authorization to apply for a green card.

The New York Times

Mr. Ely also gave a clearer picture of what transpired in August 2003 when Mrs. Astor's longtime lawyer, Henry Christensen III, came to her Westchester estate, Holly Hill, requesting authorization for a $5 million gift to her son.

The New York Times

If you set up your device for Duo Push, when two-step authentication is requested Duo will know which organization is requesting authorization and will send a push notification to your device.

Stanford University

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

An applicant will specify on FCC Form 601 if it is requesting authorizations to provide services on a common carrier, non-common carrier or private internal-use basis, or a combination thereof.

Cornell University

The instrument used in this research is available and free access; therefore, do not request authorization from authors.

Psicologia: Reflexão e Crítica

To request authorization please email [email protected]

Columbia University

Contacts may request authorization codes and calling cards for individuals in the department.

Stanford University

But having carefully considered the president's substantive arguments, I am compelled to vote against the requested authorization.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Always specify exactly what the authorization is for by following the phrase with the preposition "to" plus a verb (e.g., "requesting authorization to proceed") or "for" plus a noun (e.g., "requesting authorization for the purchase").

Common error

A frequent mistake is adding redundant words like "requesting authorization permission", as authorization already implies permission. Additionally, avoid using the preposition "of" to describe the action following the authorization; use "to" instead. For example, say "requesting authorization to publish" rather than "requesting authorization of publishing".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "requesting authorization" functions as a present participle phrase. In many of the examples provided by Ludwig, it acts as the head of a participial clause that identifies the purpose of a letter, memo or legal action. It frequently appears as part of a continuous verb tense (e.g., "is requesting") or as a gerund phrase serving as the subject or object of a sentence.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Academia

35%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Science

3%

Wiki

1%

Social Media

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "requesting authorization" is an essential component of formal English, particularly within administrative, legal and journalistic contexts. According to Ludwig, the expression is not only correct but is the standard way to describe the formal act of seeking permission from a higher authority. Whether it is a pilot "requesting authorization to descend" or a researcher seeking access to data, the phrase conveys a clear understanding of procedural requirements. By using this phrase, writers can demonstrate a high level of professional literacy and clarity in institutional communications.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

seeking permission

Uses a slightly less formal verb while maintaining clarity about the objective.

asking for approval

A more direct and common way to express the same request in general business settings.

applying for a permit

Specific to formal, administrative or legal contexts requiring a physical or digital document.

requesting clearance

Often used in security, military or high-level organizational contexts.

soliciting consent

More legalistic, implying a need for formal agreement from another party.

petitioning for access

Suggests a more formal or structured process, often involving a governing body.

seeking a green light

An idiomatic and informal alternative used in project management or casual business.

requiring validation

Focuses on the necessity of the confirmation rather than the act of asking.

demanding verification

Much more forceful and implies a right to receive the check.

invoking authority

Focuses on the power being used to grant the request rather than the request itself.

FAQs

How do I use "requesting authorization" in an email?

You can start your request by being direct: "I am writing to you because I am "requesting authorization" to access the new database." You could also say you are "seeking approval" if you want a slightly softer tone.

Is "requesting authorization" too formal for a quick message?

Yes, for casual internal communications, it might sound overly stiff. In those cases, "asking for the okay" or "checking if it's alright" is usually better.

What is the difference between "requesting authorization" and "requesting an authorization"?

The version without "an" refers to the process of being authorized, whereas "requesting an authorization" usually refers to a specific document or code, such as "requesting an authorization code".

Can I use "requesting authorization" in a legal document?

Absolutely. It is the standard terminology used by entities like Cornell University and the FCC when documenting the process of seeking official permission for regulated activities.