without asking permission

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'without asking permission' is appropriate and usable in written English.
You can use it when talking about someone taking an action or doing something without first obtaining approval or authorization. For example, "She took the car without asking permission."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

You're not to take pictures without asking permission.

The New York Times

They planted what they pleased without asking permission.

The New York Times

Ask how you would feel if someone posted your child's picture without asking permission.

The Guardian

Before he could respond, he said Facebook removed the newspaper's post without asking permission.

The New York Times - Tech

To sit down next to them would be like sitting on their couch without asking permission.

The Guardian - Opinion

c) Looking at the President in the eyes without asking permission.

The New Yorker

When your track is good enough, you can simply claim a weekend, or a whole summer, without asking permission.

The New Yorker

In N. Y. State one is permitted to change his name without asking permission of N. Y. State.

The New Yorker

Without asking permission, she sidled up to my 11-year-old son, Aidan, and draped her arm around him.

The New York Times

"It is the first time in history where anyone anywhere can trade with anyone else without asking permission," he wrote.

The Guardian - Tech

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

Without asking permission the audacity part Thrun offered an online version of the class to anyone in the world.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "without asking permission" to clearly indicate that an action was taken without seeking or receiving approval. This highlights the autonomy or potential impropriety of the action.

Common error

Ensure the context clearly indicates who should have been asked for permission. Vague phrasing can leave the reader wondering whose approval was bypassed, diluting the impact of your message.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "without asking permission" functions primarily as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb to indicate the manner in which an action was performed. It specifies that the action occurred without the typical or required step of seeking authorization. Ludwig provides numerous examples of this usage across diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "without asking permission" is a common and versatile expression used to describe actions taken without seeking authorization. As Ludwig highlights, this phrase functions adverbially, modifying verbs to indicate the manner of action. Its usage spans various contexts, from news reports to casual conversations, conveying a range of implications from autonomy to potential wrongdoing. The abundance of examples provided by Ludwig demonstrates the phrase's widespread applicability and semantic adaptability. When using this phrase, it is important to consider the context and ensure clarity regarding who should have been asked for permission to avoid ambiguity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

without consent

Focuses on the lack of agreement or approval, particularly relevant in sensitive or ethical contexts.

without authorization

A more formal version, emphasizes the lack of official sanctioning.

without leave

A more formal or archaic phrase that specifies the absence of granted leave or permission.

unauthorized

This adjective describes actions or entities lacking official approval or permission; it's a more concise, formal way to convey the idea.

without the go-ahead

Emphasizes the absence of a signal of approval or a green light to proceed.

on one's own initiative

Highlights the proactive and independent nature of the action, rather than the absence of permission.

independently

Emphasizes acting autonomously, which might imply doing something without needing permission.

off one's own bat

An informal, British English idiom suggesting acting on personal motivation and judgment.

unlicensed

Specifically means not having the required license or permit.

freely

Suggests an action done without external constraints, which can sometimes imply lack of required permission.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "without asking permission" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, consider using alternatives like "without authorization" or "without consent", depending on the context.

What's the difference between "without consent" and "without asking permission"?

"Without consent" emphasizes the lack of agreement or explicit approval, often used in sensitive or ethical situations, whereas "without asking permission" simply highlights the absence of a request for approval. The former is more focused on the violation of a right, the latter on bypassing a process.

Is it always wrong to do something "without asking permission"?

Not necessarily. Sometimes, acting "without asking permission" may be necessary in emergencies or when adhering strictly to protocols would cause undue delay or harm. However, it is important to consider the ethical implications and potential consequences of such actions.

How to use "without asking permission" in a sentence?

You can use "without asking permission" to describe an action taken without seeking approval. For example, "She used my computer "without asking permission"".