seeking permission

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'seeking permission' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to the action of asking for permission to do something. For example: "I am seeking permission to leave work early in order to attend a special event."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

We will be seeking permission to appeal".

The Guardian

You can use them without seeking permission.

Cornell University

It is seeking permission to set up a university.

The Economist

Say a rape victim was seeking permission to abort.

The New York Times

Gatwick is seeking permission to build a second runway.

The Guardian - Business

The NHS trust is seeking permission to stop providing treatment.

The Guardian

The NHS trust is seeking permission to withdraw it.

The Guardian

Mr. Levin was seeking permission to withdraw from the case.

The New York Times

Mechanics at United Airlines are seeking permission to strike.

The New York Times

They are seeking permission to appeal against the ruling.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

The antidote to this has been for brands to start seeking 'permission' to gain consumers' attention.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing formally, consider stronger synonyms like "authorization" or "approval" to add sophistication.

Common error

Avoid assuming permission based on past actions or silence. Explicitly "seeking permission" ensures clarity and prevents misunderstandings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "seeking permission" functions primarily as a gerund phrase, acting as a noun. It describes the act of requesting authorization or consent. As noted by Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct. Examples show it being used in various contexts, from legal appeals to everyday requests.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Academia

25%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Science

5%

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "seeking permission" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to describe the act of requesting authorization or consent. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is versatile and appropriate in various contexts, ranging from formal legal proceedings to everyday situations. While alternatives like "requesting authorization" or "applying for approval" exist, they offer slight shifts in formality or emphasis. Remember to be mindful of implied consent and avoid assumptions; explicitly "seeking permission" promotes clarity and prevents misunderstandings. The examples, heavily sourced from News & Media, Academia and Formal & Business, show the contexts in which it is most commonly used, confirming the phrase's appropriateness in professional communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

seeking approval

Shorter and more direct, implying a general request for validation.

requesting authorization

Replaces 'permission' with the more formal 'authorization'.

applying for approval

Focuses on the act of formally submitting a request.

asking for consent

Emphasizes agreement or assent, particularly in ethical or personal contexts.

pursuing authorization

Highlights the ongoing effort to get permission.

obtaining clearance

Implies overcoming an obstacle or meeting specific criteria.

seeking a permit

Specifically related to formal, often legal, permissions.

seeking a license

Similar to 'permit' but often for professional or regulated activities.

looking for endorsement

Suggests seeking support or validation from a specific entity.

getting the go-ahead

An informal expression for receiving permission to proceed.

FAQs

How to use "seeking permission" in a sentence?

You can use "seeking permission" to describe the act of requesting authorization for something, as in "The company is seeking permission to build a new factory."

What can I say instead of "seeking permission"?

You can use alternatives like "requesting authorization", "applying for approval", or "seeking approval" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "seeking permission" or "seek permission"?

"Seeking permission" is a gerund phrase and is correct when used as a noun. "Seek permission" is the base verb form and would be used differently. For example, "He is seeking permission" vs. "He must seek permission".

What's the difference between "seeking permission" and "asking for permission"?

Both phrases are similar, but "seeking permission" is slightly more formal and suggests a more deliberate or official request, whereas "asking for permission" is more general.