without proper authorization

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'without proper authorization' is correct and usable in written English.
It is often used when someone is attempting a task or action without the permission or approval of an authority. For example, "No one should access the company's confidential information without proper authorization."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

Even a smile addressed to him without proper authorization was considered daring.

The New Yorker

Today's order charged that the offices had been operating without proper authorization.

The New York Times

These devices, known as "auto sears," without proper authorization from the ATF, are illegal.

The Washington Post

Manipulations of the controller might give an attacker benefits without proper authorization.

University of California, Berkeley

The American authorities classified them as illegal immigrants on the grounds that they had entered the country without proper authorization.

The New York Times

Lynn University defended itself today against accusations that students in its funeral service program had used bodies without proper authorization to practice embalming.

The New York Times

Tensions resurfaced Dec. 5 when Cuba detained a United States government contractor who had traveled to Havana without proper authorization to hand out communications equipment to dissident groups.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

4 human-written examples

The report, prepared by James R. Thompson, the former governor of Illinois and a special outside counsel to Ullico, singled out Ullico's chairman and chief executive, Robert A. Georgine, saying he netted another $6 million in trading profits and arguably awarded large amounts of stock to himself without proper authorizations.

The New York Times

It is illegal to gain access to a secured computer without the proper authorization, even if the computer's password is publicly known.

The New York Times

An "illegal alien" is an alien who entered the United States illegally without the proper authorization and documents, or is an alien who once entered the United States legally and has since violated the terms of the status in which he entered the United States.

Cornell University

I had stepped into their arena without the proper authorization, coming into their neighborhood and "throwing my looks around".

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a violation, clearly state the specific rule or protocol that was breached "without proper authorization" to enhance clarity.

Common error

While "without proper authorization" is grammatically correct, using simpler alternatives like "unauthorized" or "without permission" may be more appropriate for informal writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "without proper authorization" functions as an adverbial phrase modifying a verb, adjective, or another adverb. It indicates the manner in which an action is performed, specifically highlighting its illegitimacy due to the absence of due consent. Ludwig AI confirms that is an accepted phrase in the English language.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

54%

Academia

22%

Science

17%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "without proper authorization" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to denote actions taken without the required permission or approval. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is considered correct. Its usage spans across various contexts, including News & Media, Academia, and Science, though it maintains a Neutral register. When writing, ensure the context aligns with the level of formality, and consider simpler alternatives like "unauthorized" for informal settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

unauthorized

This is a shorter, single-word adjective conveying the same meaning.

without official approval

Replaces "proper authorization" with more formal terms.

lacking permission

Emphasizes the absence of consent.

without due consent

Highlights the lack of agreement or permission.

unlawfully

Focuses on the illegal aspect of the action.

illegitimately

Suggests that the action is not in accordance with accepted rules or standards.

irregularly

Indicates a deviation from established procedures.

in violation of regulations

Specifically points to a breach of rules.

contrary to protocol

Highlights a breach of established procedures or etiquette.

outside of established channels

Indicates that the action bypassed normal or approved routes.

FAQs

What does "without proper authorization" mean?

The phrase "without proper authorization" means that an action or activity has been carried out /s/unauthorized without the necessary permission or approval from a relevant authority.

How to use "without proper authorization" in a sentence?

You can use "without proper authorization" to describe actions that violate rules or protocols, like: "The files were accessed /s/unauthorized without proper authorization." or "Employees are prohibited from using company resources /s/unauthorized without proper authorization."

What can I say instead of "without proper authorization"?

You can use alternatives like "unauthorized", "without official approval", or "lacking permission" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "without proper authorization" or "without authorization"?

Both phrases are grammatically correct, but "without proper authorization" emphasizes that the authorization was either incomplete or not obtained through the correct channels, while "without authorization" simply indicates a lack of authorization.