Have you ever wondered about the difference between approval and permission? While these two terms are often used interchangeably, they actually have distinct meanings. In this article, we’ll explore the nuances of approval and permission and when to use each one.
Approval and permission are both related to granting consent, but they differ in their connotations and implications. Approval implies a positive evaluation or endorsement of something, while permission simply indicates the absence of objection or prohibition.
For example, if you ask your boss for permission to take a day off, they may grant your request without necessarily approving of your decision. On the other hand, if your boss approves of a project proposal, they are indicating their support and enthusiasm for the idea.
Understanding the difference between approval and permission can help you communicate more effectively and avoid misunderstandings. In the following sections, we’ll delve deeper into the meanings and implications of these two terms.
Define Approval
Approval is the act of giving consent or agreement to something or someone. It is the acknowledgement of the value or worthiness of an idea, action, or individual. Approval can come from a variety of sources, such as a supervisor, a parent, or a peer. It is often seen as a positive affirmation, as it can boost confidence and encourage continued positive behavior.
Define Permission
Permission is the act of granting authorization or consent for someone to do something. It is the allowance of a specific action or behavior, often with certain conditions or limitations. Permission can be granted by a variety of sources, such as a parent, a teacher, or a legal authority. It is often seen as a necessary step in order to avoid negative consequences or ensure safety.
Here is a table that highlights some of the key differences between approval and permission:
| Approval | Permission | |
|---|---|---|
| Definition | The act of giving consent or agreement to something or someone | The act of granting authorization or consent for someone to do something |
| Source | Can come from a variety of sources, such as a supervisor, a parent, or a peer | Often granted by a specific authority, such as a parent, a teacher, or a legal authority |
| Positive/Negative | Often seen as a positive affirmation, as it can boost confidence and encourage continued positive behavior | Often seen as a necessary step in order to avoid negative consequences or ensure safety |
How To Properly Use The Words In A Sentence
When it comes to communication, using the right words can make all the difference. Two words that are often used interchangeably are “approval” and “permission”. However, they have distinct meanings and should be used appropriately in a sentence. In this section, we will discuss how to use these words correctly.
How To Use “Approval” In A Sentence
“Approval” refers to the act of agreeing or giving consent to something. It can be used in both formal and informal settings. Here are some examples:
- My boss gave me his approval for the project proposal.
- She sought her parents’ approval before accepting the job offer.
- The board of directors needs to give their approval before we can move forward.
As you can see from these examples, “approval” is often given by someone in a position of authority. It implies that the person giving approval has evaluated the situation and deemed it acceptable.
How To Use “Permission” In A Sentence
“Permission” refers to the act of allowing or granting someone the right to do something. It is typically used in informal settings. Here are some examples:
- Can I have permission to leave work early today?
- She asked for permission to borrow my car for the weekend.
- The teacher gave the students permission to use their phones during the class break.
As you can see from these examples, “permission” is often requested by someone who needs to do something. It implies that the person granting permission has the authority to do so and has evaluated the situation and deemed it acceptable.
More Examples Of Approval & Permission Used In Sentences
In order to better understand the distinction between approval and permission, it can be helpful to examine how these two concepts are used in everyday language. Below are some examples of using approval and permission in a sentence:
Examples Of Using Approval In A Sentence
- She sought approval from her boss before proceeding with the project.
- The committee gave their approval for the new policy.
- His parents expressed their approval of his decision to attend college.
- The board of directors expressed their approval of the proposed merger.
- The audience showed their approval by giving the performer a standing ovation.
- He was pleased to receive approval from his peers for his innovative approach.
- The government agency granted approval for the new drug to be sold on the market.
- The company’s CEO gave his approval for the new advertising campaign.
- She waited anxiously for her supervisor’s approval of her vacation request.
- He was surprised to receive approval for the project despite his initial doubts.
Examples Of Using Permission In A Sentence
- She asked for permission to leave early for a doctor’s appointment.
- The teacher granted permission for the students to work in groups.
- He needed permission from the landlord to make changes to the apartment.
- The company required permission from the client before proceeding with the project.
- The parent gave permission for their child to attend the field trip.
- The security guard denied permission for the visitor to enter the building.
- She obtained permission from the city council to hold the event in the park.
- The employee sought permission from their supervisor to take a personal day.
- He was hesitant to ask for permission to take on a new project, but eventually did.
- The organization required permission from the government to operate in the country.
Common Mistakes To Avoid
Many people use the terms “approval” and “permission” interchangeably, but doing so can lead to misunderstandings and mistakes. Here are some common mistakes to avoid:
Using “Approval” And “Permission” As Synonyms
Although “approval” and “permission” may seem like synonyms, they have distinct meanings. Approval means that someone agrees with or supports a decision or action, while permission means that someone has given authorization or consent for a decision or action. Using these terms interchangeably can result in confusion, especially in situations where clarity is crucial.
Assuming That Approval Equals Permission
Just because someone approves of a decision or action does not necessarily mean they have given permission for it. For example, a supervisor may approve of an employee taking time off, but if the employee does not have permission from HR, they may still face consequences for their absence. It is important to distinguish between approval and permission to avoid misunderstandings and potential legal issues.
Not Seeking Approval Or Permission When Necessary
On the other hand, failing to seek approval or permission when necessary can also lead to problems. For example, a contractor who starts construction on a building without the proper permits can face fines or even legal action. It is important to know when approval or permission is required and to obtain it before proceeding with a decision or action.
Tips For Avoiding These Mistakes:
- Take the time to understand the difference between approval and permission, and use them correctly in your communication and decision-making.
- When in doubt, clarify whether someone is giving approval or permission, and what their expectations are.
- Be proactive in seeking approval or permission when necessary, and do not assume that it will be granted automatically.
Context Matters
When it comes to making decisions, the choice between seeking approval or asking for permission can depend heavily on the context in which they are used. While both involve seeking permission, the nuances of each term can have a significant impact on the outcome of a situation.
Different Contexts And Their Impact
Let’s take a look at some different contexts and how the choice between approval and permission might change:
Workplace
In a workplace setting, seeking approval typically involves presenting a proposal or idea to a manager or supervisor for their review and sign-off. This can be beneficial in situations where the idea requires a higher level of expertise or resources that are not readily available to the employee. On the other hand, seeking permission may involve asking for authorization to complete a task or take on a project. This can be useful when the employee has the necessary skills and resources to complete the task but needs to ensure that it aligns with the company’s goals and values.
Parenting
When it comes to parenting, seeking approval may involve asking a parent for permission to participate in an activity or make a purchase. This can be helpful in situations where the child is unsure of the consequences or is seeking guidance. Seeking permission, on the other hand, can involve setting boundaries and establishing rules for the child to follow. This can be useful in situations where the child needs to learn responsibility and accountability.
Social Situations
In social situations, seeking approval may involve seeking validation or acceptance from others. This can be beneficial in situations where the individual is seeking to build relationships or establish a sense of belonging. Seeking permission, on the other hand, can involve setting boundaries and establishing expectations for behavior. This can be useful in situations where the individual is seeking to maintain their own values and beliefs.
As we can see, the choice between approval and permission can have a significant impact on the outcome of a situation. While both involve seeking permission, the context in which they are used can make all the difference. By understanding the nuances of each term and how they apply to different situations, we can make more informed decisions and achieve better outcomes.
Exceptions To The Rules
Identifying Exceptions
While the general rules for using approval and permission are applicable in most cases, there are some exceptions where these rules may not apply. It is important to identify these exceptions to avoid confusion and ensure that the right approach is taken in each scenario.
Some of the exceptions to consider include:
- Emergency situations
- Legal requirements
- Implied consent
Explaining Each Exception
Emergency situations: In emergency situations, it may not be possible or practical to seek approval or permission before taking action. For example, a doctor may need to perform a life-saving procedure on a patient without waiting for permission from the patient’s family members.
Legal requirements: In some cases, legal requirements may override the need for approval or permission. For example, a company may be required by law to conduct background checks on potential employees without seeking their approval.
Implied consent: Implied consent may be assumed in certain situations where the person’s actions or behavior suggest that they have given their consent. For example, if a person enters a store and picks up a product, it may be assumed that they have given their consent to purchase the product without explicitly seeking their approval or permission.
It is important to note that these exceptions should be used judiciously and only in situations where it is absolutely necessary to deviate from the general rules for using approval and permission.
Practice Exercises
Now that we have discussed the differences between approval and permission, let’s offer some practice exercises to help readers improve their understanding and use of these words in sentences. By practicing with these exercises, readers can gain confidence in their ability to use these words correctly in various contexts.
Exercise 1: Fill In The Blank
Fill in the blank with either “approval” or “permission” to complete the sentence correctly.
| Sentence | Answer |
|---|---|
| My boss gave me __________ to leave work early today. | permission |
| Before making any changes, we need to get __________ from the board of directors. | approval |
| Without __________ from the city council, the construction project cannot proceed. | approval |
| Parents must give their __________ for their children to participate in the field trip. | permission |
| Employees need __________ from their manager to take time off work. | permission |
Exercise 2: Identify The Correct Word
Read the sentence and identify whether “approval” or “permission” is the correct word to use.
- The committee gave their __________ to the new marketing plan.
- The teacher gave the students __________ to use calculators during the exam.
- The city council needs to give their __________ for the new construction project.
- Parents must give their __________ for their children to attend the school trip.
- Employees must get __________ from their supervisor before taking time off work.
Answer key:
| Sentence | Answer |
|---|---|
| The committee gave their approval to the new marketing plan. | |
| The teacher gave the students permission to use calculators during the exam. | |
| The city council needs to give their approval for the new construction project. | |
| Parents must give their permission for their children to attend the school trip. | |
| Employees must get permission from their supervisor before taking time off work. |
By practicing with these exercises, readers can improve their understanding and use of approval and permission in sentences. Remember, approval is when someone agrees or accepts something, while permission is when someone allows or gives permission for something to happen.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the difference between approval and permission is subtle but significant. While both involve giving consent, approval is more about expressing a positive opinion or agreement, while permission is more about granting authorization or allowing something to happen.
It’s important to understand the nuances of these terms in order to communicate effectively and avoid misunderstandings. By using the right word in the right context, you can convey your meaning more clearly and avoid confusion.
Key Takeaways
- Approval and permission are both forms of consent, but they have different meanings.
- Approval is more about expressing a positive opinion or agreement, while permission is more about granting authorization or allowing something to happen.
- Using the right word in the right context can help you communicate more effectively and avoid misunderstandings.
By continuing to learn about grammar and language use, you can improve your communication skills and become a more effective writer and speaker. Whether you’re writing a blog post, giving a presentation, or having a conversation, understanding the nuances of language can help you express your ideas more clearly and persuasively.
Shawn Manaher is the founder and CEO of The Content Authority. He’s one part content manager, one part writing ninja organizer, and two parts leader of top content creators. You don’t even want to know what he calls pancakes.