without written permission

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "without written permission" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it in a sentence when you want to express that something cannot be done or accessed unless the necessary written permission is granted. For example, "You cannot enter the building without written permission from the administrator."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

27 human-written examples

The first is about demonstrations in Parliament Square, which are banned without written permission under SOCPA.

The Guardian - Opinion

Citizens cannot move outside without written permission – which for children is only obtainable from school.

The Guardian

But a town ordinance bars riding dirt bikes on town-owned land and on private land without written permission.

The New York Times

Government guidance suggests that law enforcement should not supply "assistance" to foreign nations that have the death penalty without written permission from ministers.

Independent

However, although the contract leaves staff with no promise of work, they are not allowed to work for any other employee without written permission from the palace.

The Guardian - Money

Yuri A. Rykov, who leads Sochi's city election commission, said it was illegal to use a person's photograph in advertising without written permission.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

33 human-written examples

He also barred any further detention in local jails of those placed on probation without his written permission.

The New York Times

In 2007, as a condition for hosting the Olympics in Beijing, the Chinese government removed restrictions barring Beijing-based journalists from leaving the capital without prior written permission.

The New Yorker

But even unofficial conduct by contractors in Iraq cannot be prosecuted there, Mr. Bremer's order said, without his written permission.

The New York Times

Frankly, by the time its wife was eight months gone, Lost in Showbiz was so terrified of her that it wouldn't turn over the TV without getting written permission first.

The Guardian

Its 192 pages include sections on the type of office paper the company uses and a ban on releasing information to the news media without the written permission of the Army Corps.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When drafting legal or formal documents, ensure you clearly state the requirement for written permission to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid assuming that silence or lack of explicit prohibition implies permission. Always secure explicit "written permission" to ensure actions are legally and ethically sound.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "without written permission" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause to indicate a condition of prohibition. It specifies that an action is not allowed unless a formal, documented authorization is obtained. Ludwig confirms this through numerous examples across varied sources.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Science

26%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "without written permission" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to denote that an action is prohibited unless formal, documented authorization is obtained. Ludwig AI validates this through a multitude of examples spanning various authoritative sources, including News & Media, Science, Wiki, and Formal & Business contexts. The phrase typically serves to establish clear conditions of restriction and ensure compliance with rules, regulations, or laws. While applicable across different registers, it is more frequently encountered in neutral to formal settings. When using the phrase, be aware of the importance of not assuming implied consent and always requiring explicit "written permission" to ensure actions are ethically and legally sound.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

without prior authorization

Highlights that permission was not obtained in advance.

without express authorization

Emphasizes that permission has not been explicitly granted.

without explicit consent

Stresses that consent was not clearly or directly given.

without official consent

Highlights the absence of official approval, suitable for formal contexts.

unless explicitly permitted

Indicates that something is prohibited unless specific permission is granted.

without due authorization

Indicates the absence of proper or appropriate authorization.

absent formal authorization

Emphasizes the lack of proper authorization, using a more formal tone.

absent signed authorization

Highlights the absence of a signed document granting permission.

lacking documented authorization

Focuses on the absence of documented proof of permission.

not having received authorization

Focuses on the state of not yet having obtained permission.

FAQs

When is "without written permission" typically used?

It's typically used in legal, academic, and professional contexts to denote that an action requires formal, documented consent. For instance, reproducing copyrighted material "without written permission" is a common example.

What are some alternatives to "without written permission"?

Alternatives include "absent formal authorization", "without official consent", or "unless explicitly permitted", depending on the formality and context.

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

"Without permission" is a general prohibition, whereas "without written permission" specifies that only documented authorization is acceptable. The latter is more legally binding and less open to interpretation.

Is it acceptable to rely on verbal permission instead of "written permission"?

While verbal permission might be acceptable in informal settings, formal contexts often require "official consent" due to its verifiable nature. Relying solely on verbal permission in legal or professional settings can be risky.