without permission

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "without permission" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used when one party has not been granted permission by another to take a particular action. Example: The tenant was not allowed to paint the walls without permission from the landlord.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"Without permission, it's tricky.

The New York Times

Should I have administered it without permission?

The New York Times - Magazine

Can he be written about without permission?

The New Yorker

Shanghai Tower, China, without permission.

The Guardian

"You can't shoot without permission, without authorisation.

Independent

Without permission to use the bathroom.

The Guardian - Music

Without permission, all of it is illegal.

The Guardian - Opinion

Over another: "Do not enter without permission".

The New York Times

The rules were clear: No interviews without permission.

The New York Times

"Nothing crosses without permission from NATO". 1 2 Next Page ».

The New York Times

Leaving Sri Lanka without permission can be a criminal offence".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing formal or legal situations, pair "without permission" with specific actions to clarify the unauthorized act. For example, "entering the property without permission" provides more context than just saying "without permission".

Common error

Avoid using "without permission" as a standalone clause in legal documents. Always specify who is not granting permission and what action requires it. For instance, instead of writing "The document was used without permission", specify "The document was used without the copyright holder's permission".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "without permission" functions as a prepositional phrase, modifying a verb or noun to indicate that an action was performed or a state exists in the absence of authorization. It is commonly used to describe activities that are not sanctioned or approved by an authority or individual.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Wiki

35%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "without permission" is a versatile prepositional phrase indicating the absence of authorization. As Ludwig AI notes, its grammatical function is to modify a verb or noun, highlighting that an action or state exists without proper consent. It's commonly used in news, wiki entries, and scientific publications with a neutral formality level. While sources like The New York Times and The Guardian frequently employ this phrase, it's crucial to ensure clarity by specifying who should have granted the permission and what action was taken. Alternatives such as "unauthorized" and "without authorization" offer similar meanings, but the specific context should guide the selection. Avoiding vague uses in formal documents ensures precision and clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

without authorization

This alternative emphasizes the lack of official approval.

without approval

Highlights the lack of endorsement or sanction.

without consent

Focuses on the absence of agreement or approval from the relevant party.

unauthorized

This single word replacement denotes actions not officially approved.

against the rules

Emphasizes a violation of established regulations.

contrary to regulations

A more formal way of saying "against the rules".

illegally

Indicates that the action violates the law.

off the record

Implies secrecy and a lack of official endorsement, typically in journalistic contexts.

under the table

Suggests a clandestine and often illicit action.

on the sly

Implies that actions are performed secretly or furtively.

FAQs

What are some synonyms for "without permission"?

Alternatives include "unauthorized", "without authorization", and "without consent". The best choice depends on the context and the specific nuance you want to convey.

How is "without permission" used in legal contexts?

In legal contexts, "without permission" often refers to actions taken that violate copyright, trespass laws, or other regulations requiring consent. For example, using copyrighted material "without permission" constitutes copyright infringement.

What's the difference between "without permission" and "illegally"?

"Without permission" indicates that an action was taken without the necessary authorization, while "illegally" means the action violates a law. An action can be "without permission" without being strictly illegal, and vice versa.

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

Ensure the sentence clearly specifies who should have granted permission and what action was taken "without permission". For example: "The student copied the article without the author's permission" is more precise than "The article was copied without permission."