requesting permission to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "requesting permission to" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it when you are formally asking for approval to do something. Example: "I am requesting permission to access the restricted area." Alternative expressions include "seeking approval to" and "asking for consent to."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

A certified letter requesting permission to enter was also sent, he added, but it was ignored.

The New York Times

Another cable network, Court-TV, also sent a letter to the court today requesting permission to broadcast Friday's argument.

The New York Times

My landlord has sent a letter to his tenants requesting permission to install new windows in our apartments.

The New York Times

He has sent a letter to the mayor of London, Boris Johnson, requesting permission to bring the ark there for the Olympic Games next summer.

The New York Times

Keith wrote to Sir Ian Hamilton, the British general in command of the Gallipoli campaign, requesting permission to visit the Anzac force on the peninsula.

Independent

Nearly two years ago, she was among a dozen senior educators who submitted paperwork to the ministry requesting permission to establish a national parent-teacher association.

The Economist

Like people in many other cases, he will be requesting permission to appeal soon, and we hope he will finally get a fair trial.

The Guardian - Opinion

4. Write proposals to school officials requesting permission to install the devices in a makeshift weather monitoring station on the school grounds.

The New York Times

The family is in the living room, Mr. Conkling smoking a pipe in an easy chair as his children raise their hands as if requesting permission to speak.

The New York Times

"Mr. Scala is requesting permission to serve as a chaperone for his daughter's class trip to Washington D.C. on May 11 , 2001" his letter said.

The New York Times

Charter said that along with the bankruptcy filing it filed motions requesting permission to keep employee wage and benefits programs running and to continue customer programs without interruptions.

The New York Times - Tech

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In official communication, follow "requesting permission to" with a precise explanation of what action you need permission for. This helps the recipient quickly understand your request.

Common error

Do not simply state you are "requesting permission". Always specify the action or access you need permission for, to avoid confusion or delays.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "requesting permission to" functions as a gerund phrase, acting as a noun. It often introduces a formal request or application, as illustrated in the Ludwig examples. Its primary function is to express the act of seeking authorization for a specific action.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

37%

Science

35%

Formal & Business

28%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "requesting permission to" is a very common and grammatically sound gerund phrase used to formally ask for authorization or consent. Ludwig AI confirms its broad applicability across various contexts, including News & Media, Science, and Formal & Business settings. To enhance clarity in your writing, always specify the action for which you are requesting permission and avoid vague requests. Consider using alternatives such as "seeking authorization to" or "applying for consent to" to refine your tone in different contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

seeking authorization to

Emphasizes the act of obtaining official approval.

asking for leave to

Specifically implies seeking permission to do something, often implying a formal request.

applying for consent to

Focuses on the act of formally requesting agreement or approval.

seeking approval for

A more general term for asking for approval.

inquiring about authorization for

A more formal way of asking if authorization exists or can be granted.

soliciting consent for

Implies a more active and persuasive approach to gaining permission.

petitioning for the right to

Suggests a formal and sometimes legal request for permission.

desiring approval to

Focuses on expressing a wish or strong interest in getting approval.

interested in obtaining clearance for

Highlights the act of seeking official authorization, often for access or specific actions.

aiming to secure consent for

Indicates an intention to obtain permission, often implying effort and planning.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "requesting permission to" in a formal context?

In a formal context, consider alternatives like "seeking authorization to", "applying for consent to", or "inquiring about authorization for" for a more elevated tone.

What is a less formal way to say "requesting permission to"?

For a less formal approach, you could use phrases like "asking for leave to" or simply "asking if I can."

Is "requesting permission to" always necessary, or can I sometimes just ask directly?

While "requesting permission to" is polite, direct requests are acceptable when the context is informal or the authority is clearly understood. In formal settings, starting with the phrase adds a level of respect and formality.

What's the difference between "seeking permission to" and "requesting permission to"?

While the two are very similar, "seeking permission to" emphasizes the process of actively looking for permission, whereas "requesting permission to" emphasizes the act of formally asking.