seek permission

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'seek permission' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when asking permission from someone to do something. For example: "I am seeking permission to enter this restricted area."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Markets do not seek permission from local communities.

The Economist

They would also have to seek permission to travel abroad.

The Guardian

a. I'd seek permission from my religious adviser.

The New York Times

Mr. Irving said he would seek permission to appeal.

The New York Times

Contact local English Heritage office to seek permission.

The Guardian

Now, I had only to seek permission from the wind.

The New York Times

Notes: Undergraduates must seek permission of the professors to enroll.

Stanford University

Those who wish to see him must apparently seek permission, often denied, from the first lady.

The Economist

Before, there had been little incentive for campaigns to seek permission, since legal actions were rare.

The New York Times - Arts

Least of all, should they have to seek permission from the manufacturer or the government.

The Economist

Since 2001, a little-known law has let airports seek permission to stop using federal screeners.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In situations where tact is needed, frame your request for permission by explaining the reasoning behind your actions. This helps demonstrate respect and transparency.

Common error

Avoid using "seek permission" in casual conversation. Opt for simpler alternatives like "ask if I can" or "check with" to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "seek permission" functions as a verb phrase, indicating the action of requesting authorization or approval. It is commonly used in formal contexts to denote the necessity of obtaining consent before proceeding with an action. Ludwig confirms this with numerous examples across diverse fields.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Academia

15%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Science

8%

Formal & Business

7%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "seek permission" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase that denotes the act of requesting authorization. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is versatile, appearing in various contexts, but it is most common in news media, academic writing, and formal business communication. For everyday conversations, consider more informal substitutes. Remember to use this phrase in settings where formal authorization or approval is necessary, and be mindful of maintaining a respectful and transparent approach when making your request.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

request permission

Replaces "seek" with "request", maintaining a similar level of formality and meaning.

seek approval

A more general term for asking for agreement or positive endorsement.

obtain consent

Focuses on getting agreement or approval, often in a more personal or ethical context.

request authorization

Emphasizes the formal process of asking for official approval or authorization.

apply for approval

Highlights the act of submitting a formal request for something to be approved.

solicit approval

Implies a more active or persuasive effort to gain permission.

ask for leave

Specifically refers to requesting permission to be absent or to do something different.

inquire about authorization

Suggests a more investigative or exploratory approach to obtaining permission.

secure clearance

Emphasizes obtaining official authorization, often in sensitive or restricted contexts.

get the go-ahead

An informal way of saying obtain permission or approval to proceed.

FAQs

How can I use "seek permission" in a sentence?

"Seek permission" is used to express the act of asking for authorization before doing something. For example, "Undergraduates must "seek permission" of the professors to enroll" or "Organizers who want to charge a fee must "seek permission" from TED".

What are some alternatives to "seek permission"?

Alternatives include "request authorization", "obtain consent", or "apply for approval", depending on the context and the level of formality required.

When is it appropriate to use "seek permission"?

It is appropriate in formal settings, such as academic, legal, or business contexts, where authorization is required before proceeding with an action. In informal contexts, simpler phrases like "ask" or "check with" might be more suitable.

What's the difference between "seek permission" and "get approval"?

"Seek permission" refers to the act of requesting authorization, while "get approval" implies that the authorization has been granted. You "seek permission" with the hope of getting approval.