Permissible and allowable are two words that are often used interchangeably. However, there are subtle differences between the two that are important to understand. In this article, we will explore the meanings of these two words, and when it is appropriate to use one over the other.
Let’s define these two words. Permissible means that something is allowed or permitted according to a particular set of rules or laws. Allowable, on the other hand, means that something is able to be allowed or permitted, but it may not be explicitly stated in the rules or laws.
So, which of these two words is the proper one to use? The answer is that it depends on the context. In general, permissible is the more appropriate word to use when referring to something that is explicitly allowed or permitted by a set of rules or laws. Allowable, on the other hand, is more appropriate when referring to something that is not explicitly stated, but is still able to be allowed or permitted.
Throughout the rest of this article, we will explore the nuances of these two words, and provide examples of when it is appropriate to use each one.
Permissible
Permissible refers to something that is allowed or permitted under a specific set of rules or regulations. In other words, it is something that is not prohibited or forbidden. The term is often used in legal or regulatory contexts to describe actions or behaviors that are within the bounds of the law or a particular code of conduct.
Allowable
Allowable is similar to permissible in that it refers to something that is permitted or allowed. However, the term is often used in a more general sense and can refer to anything that is considered acceptable or within the realm of what is allowed. It is often used in the context of budgets or expenses, where an allowable expense is one that is considered reasonable or necessary for a particular purpose.
| Permissible | Allowable |
|---|---|
| Refers to actions or behaviors that are within the bounds of the law or a particular code of conduct | Refers to anything that is considered acceptable or within the realm of what is allowed |
| Often used in legal or regulatory contexts | Often used in the context of budgets or expenses |
| Implies a specific set of rules or regulations | Implies a more general sense of what is allowed |
How To Properly Use The Words In A Sentence
Choosing the right word to use in a sentence can be tricky, especially when dealing with words that have similar meanings. Permissible and allowable are two such words that are often used interchangeably, but they actually have distinct meanings. In this section, we will explore how to properly use each of these words in a sentence.
How To Use ‘Permissible’ In A Sentence
The word permissible is an adjective that means something is allowed or permitted according to a rule, law, or authority. It is often used in legal or regulatory contexts to describe what is allowed or not allowed. Here are some examples of how to use permissible in a sentence:
- Smoking is not permissible in this building.
- The use of cell phones is permissible on this airline.
- Only permissible levels of chemicals are allowed in our drinking water.
As you can see from these examples, permissible is used to describe what is allowed or permitted according to a specific set of rules or authority. It is important to use this word carefully and accurately to avoid confusion or misinterpretation.
How To Use ‘Allowable’ In A Sentence
The word allowable is also an adjective that means something is permitted or allowed, but it is used in a slightly different context than permissible. Allowable is often used to describe what is acceptable or within a certain limit or range. Here are some examples of how to use allowable in a sentence:
- The maximum allowable speed on this road is 55 miles per hour.
- The allowable amount of sugar in this product is 10 grams per serving.
- The allowable deductions for this tax year are listed on the form.
As you can see from these examples, allowable is used to describe what is acceptable or within a certain limit or range. It is important to use this word correctly to convey the intended meaning and avoid confusion.
More Examples Of Permissible & Allowable Used In Sentences
In this section, we will provide numerous examples of how the terms “permissible” and “allowable” can be used in a sentence. By understanding the context in which these words are used, you can gain a greater appreciation for their meaning and usage.
Examples Of Using Permissible In A Sentence
- It is permissible to bring your own food and drinks into the stadium.
- The use of cell phones is not permissible during the exam.
- Smoking is not permissible on the premises.
- It is permissible to park in the designated parking areas only.
- Under certain circumstances, it may be permissible to use deadly force in self-defense.
- It is permissible to wear casual attire on Fridays.
- Alcohol consumption is permissible only for those over the age of 21.
- It is permissible to take breaks during the workday.
- Use of the company car is permissible for business purposes only.
- It is permissible to use electronic devices during the flight.
Examples Of Using Allowable In A Sentence
- The maximum allowable weight for this elevator is 2,500 pounds.
- The allowable amount of time for this task is 30 minutes.
- The allowable margin of error is plus or minus 2 percent.
- Only certain expenses are allowable under this grant.
- The allowable deductions for this tax year are listed on the form.
- The allowable limit for this credit card is $10,000.
- There is an allowable amount of overtime for employees each week.
- The allowable limit for this chemical in the water supply is 5 parts per million.
- The allowable amount of noise from this construction project is regulated by the city.
- The allowable number of attendees for this event is 500.
Common Mistakes To Avoid
When it comes to using the terms “permissible” and “allowable,” there are some common mistakes that people make, often using them interchangeably without realizing the difference in their meanings.
Permissible Vs Allowable
The term “permissible” refers to something that is allowed or permitted by law, rule, or authority. On the other hand, “allowable” refers to something that is acceptable or permitted within a particular set of guidelines or specifications.
Here are some common mistakes people make when using these terms interchangeably:
- Using “permissible” when referring to something that is simply allowed or accepted within a set of guidelines or specifications, rather than being legally allowed.
- Using “allowable” when referring to something that is legally permitted, rather than just being acceptable within a particular set of guidelines or specifications.
- Assuming that the terms are interchangeable and can be used interchangeably in any context, without considering their specific meanings.
To avoid making these mistakes in the future, here are some tips:
- Always consider the specific context in which you are using these terms, and make sure you are using the correct term based on its meaning.
- Refer to a dictionary or other reliable source to confirm the meaning of these terms before using them.
- Be aware of any specific legal or regulatory requirements that may apply to the situation, and use the appropriate term accordingly.
Context Matters
When it comes to choosing between the words “permissible” and “allowable,” the context in which they are used can play a significant role in determining which one is appropriate.
Contextual Examples
Let’s take a look at some different contexts and how the choice between “permissible” and “allowable” might change:
Legal Context
In a legal context, “permissible” is often used to describe actions or behaviors that are allowed by law. For example, a police officer might say that a search of a suspect’s vehicle was permissible under the Fourth Amendment. On the other hand, “allowable” might be used more broadly to describe actions or behaviors that are permitted by a particular set of rules or regulations. For example, a company might have a set of allowable expenses for employee travel.
Scientific Context
In a scientific context, “permissible” might refer to the maximum amount of a particular substance that is safe for human consumption. For example, the FDA might set a permissible level of mercury in seafood. “Allowable,” on the other hand, might be used to describe a range of acceptable values or conditions. For example, a scientific study might have an allowable margin of error.
Social Context
In a social context, “permissible” might refer to actions or behaviors that are socially acceptable or approved of. For example, it might be permissible to wear casual clothing to a backyard barbecue, but not to a job interview. “Allowable,” on the other hand, might be used to describe actions or behaviors that are tolerated or not strictly prohibited. For example, a school might have an allowable level of tardiness before disciplinary action is taken.
As you can see, the choice between “permissible” and “allowable” can depend heavily on the context in which they are used. By understanding the nuances of these words, you can choose the one that is most appropriate for the situation at hand.
Exceptions To The Rules
Identifying Exceptions
While the use of permissible and allowable is generally governed by the same rules, there are some exceptions where one term may be preferred over the other. These exceptions can vary depending on the context in which the terms are being used.
Explaining Exceptions
One exception to the rules for using permissible and allowable is when discussing legal matters. In legal contexts, the term permissible is often used to refer to actions that are allowed under the law, while the term allowable may be used to describe actions that are permitted under a specific legal agreement or contract. For example, a contract may allow for certain actions that would not otherwise be permissible under the law.
Another exception to the rules for using permissible and allowable is in the field of engineering. In engineering contexts, the term allowable is often used to describe the maximum amount of stress or load that a material or structure can withstand without failing. In this context, the term permissible may be used to describe the maximum amount of stress or load that is considered safe or acceptable, but may not necessarily be the maximum amount that the material or structure can withstand.
Providing Examples
To illustrate these exceptions, consider the following examples:
| Context | Example |
|---|---|
| Legal | While it may be permissible to use a copyrighted image for educational purposes under the fair use doctrine, it may not be allowable under a specific licensing agreement. |
| Engineering | The allowable stress for a particular type of steel may be 10,000 pounds per square inch, while the permissible stress may be 8,000 pounds per square inch. |
These examples demonstrate how the use of permissible and allowable can vary depending on the context in which they are being used. It is important to understand these exceptions in order to use the terms correctly and effectively in your writing.
Practice Exercises
One of the best ways to improve your understanding and use of permissible and allowable is to practice using them in sentences. Here are some practice exercises to help you do just that:
Exercise 1
Fill in the blank with either permissible or allowable:
- It is not __________ to park in this spot.
- The company policy makes it __________ to work from home.
- Only service animals are __________ in the restaurant.
- Smoking is not __________ in this building.
- The dress code is very strict, but jeans are __________ on Fridays.
Answer key:
- permissible
- allowable
- permissible
- permissible
- allowable
Exercise 2
Choose the correct word to complete the sentence:
- The new policy states that only service animals are __________ in the store.
- permissible
- allowable
- It is not __________ to use your phone during the movie.
- permissible
- allowable
- The company’s dress code is very strict, but on Fridays, jeans are __________.
- permissible
- allowable
Answer key:
- allowable
- permissible
- allowable
By practicing with these exercises, you can improve your understanding and use of permissible and allowable in your writing and speaking.
Conclusion
In conclusion, understanding the difference between permissible and allowable is crucial for effective communication. While these two words may seem interchangeable, they have distinct meanings that can impact the clarity and accuracy of your writing.
Remember that permissible refers to what is allowed by law or rules, while allowable refers to what is acceptable or permitted under certain circumstances.
When in doubt, consult a trusted grammar resource or style guide to ensure that you are using these words correctly.
Key Takeaways
- Permissible and allowable are not synonyms and should not be used interchangeably.
- Permissible refers to what is allowed by law or rules, while allowable refers to what is acceptable or permitted under certain circumstances.
- Using these words incorrectly can lead to confusion and inaccuracies in your writing.
By continuing to learn about grammar and language use, you can improve your writing skills and communicate more effectively in both personal and professional settings.
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.