without a permit

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "without a permit" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is typically used to show that something has been done or will be done without the necessary authorization or permission. Example: "The construction workers were fined for building the new apartment complex without a permit."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

Cleaning without a permit?

The New York Times - Magazine

Not without a permit.

The New York Times

That was illegal without a permit.

The New Yorker

The charge was demonstrating without a permit.

The New York Times

City regulations prohibit amplified music in parks without a permit.

The New York Times

Russian law prohibits campaigning for any candidate without a permit.

The New York Times

"The new trailers were there without a permit.

The Guardian - Books

An extension was added, without a permit, in 1999.

The New York Times

Try parking a car without a permit: impossible.

The New York Times - Travel

It is illegal to fly one without a permit.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

Is demolition-without-a-permit fine the strongest message we can send?

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing activities that require official approval, use "without a permit" to clearly indicate the lack of necessary authorization. This phrase is suitable for both formal and informal contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "without a permit" when a different type of authorization (e.g., license, certification) is more appropriate. Always ensure the term accurately reflects the specific type of required permission.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "without a permit" functions as a prepositional phrase, typically modifying a verb or noun to indicate the absence of required authorization. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Science

16%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "without a permit" is a grammatically sound and frequently used prepositional phrase that indicates the absence of necessary authorization for an action or activity. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is suitable across various contexts, especially in news and media, but can also be used in scientific and formal settings. When writing, ensure that you are using the term appropriately, as there are related terms such as "without authorization" or "unlicensed", but the phrase "without a permit" is the most used and it's clear and concise.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

unpermitted

This is a single-word adjective directly describing something lacking a permit.

without authorization

Replaces "permit" with the more general term "authorization", indicating a lack of official approval.

lacking a permit

Uses a participial phrase to emphasize the absence of a permit.

unlicensed

Focuses on the absence of a license, which is a specific type of permit.

without official approval

Emphasizes the absence of formal endorsement or consent.

against regulations

Indicates that the action violates established rules or guidelines.

contrary to law

Highlights that the action is illegal or violates legal requirements.

in violation of the rules

Specifies that the action breaks existing regulations.

operating illegally

Focuses on the unlawful nature of the activity being conducted.

under the table

Suggests the action is being done secretly and likely without proper approval.

FAQs

What does "without a permit" mean?

The phrase "without a permit" signifies that an action or activity is being performed or has been performed /s/without+authorization, meaning there's no official permission or license in place.

How can I use "without a permit" in a sentence?

You can use "without a permit" to describe situations where required permission is missing, such as: "The building was constructed /s/unpermitted" or "Protesting /s/against+regulations is illegal".

Are there synonyms for "without a permit"?

Yes, alternative phrases include "without authorization", "unlicensed", or "against regulations", depending on the context.

What's the difference between "without a permit" and "illegal"?

"Without a permit" specifies the absence of permission, while "illegal" indicates a direct violation of the law. An action may be "against regulations" because it's done "without a permit", thus making it illegal.