Permissible vs permittable – two words that are often used interchangeably but have distinct meanings. In this article, we’ll explore the differences between these two words and when to use each one.
Let’s clarify which of the two is the proper word. Both words are correct, but their usage depends on the context. Permissible is more commonly used in legal contexts, while permittable is more commonly used in technical contexts.
Permissible means allowed or permitted by law, rules, or regulations. It implies that something is authorized or sanctioned. For example, smoking is not permissible in most public spaces.
Permittle means capable of being permitted or allowed. It implies that something has the potential to be authorized or sanctioned. For example, the new software update is permittable with the latest operating system.
It’s important to understand the difference between these two words because using the wrong word can lead to confusion or misinterpretation. In the following sections, we’ll explore some examples of how to use these words correctly.
Permissible
Permissible refers to something that is allowed or permitted by law, rules, or regulations. It is the state of being authorized or sanctioned by the appropriate authority. For instance, a product or service may be deemed permissible if it meets the legal requirements and standards set by the relevant regulatory bodies.
Permittable
Permittable, on the other hand, refers to something that can be granted permission. It is the quality of being capable of being allowed or authorized by an individual or organization. For example, a request for a permit to undertake a particular activity may be considered permittable if it meets the criteria and requirements set by the issuing authority.
In summary, while permissible refers to something that is already allowed or authorized, permittable refers to something that can be allowed or authorized upon meeting certain conditions.
How To Properly Use The Words In A Sentence
Choosing the right word to use in a sentence can make all the difference in effectively communicating your message. This section will provide guidance on proper usage of the words “permissible” and “permittable.”
How To Use “Permissible” In A Sentence
The word “permissible” is an adjective that describes something that is allowed or permitted by law, rules, or regulations. It can be used in a variety of contexts, such as:
- “Smoking is not permissible in this building.”
- “The use of cell phones is permissible during breaks.”
- “The company policy states that overtime is only permissible with prior approval.”
When using “permissible” in a sentence, it is important to ensure that the action or behavior being described is within the bounds of what is allowed by a governing authority or set of rules.
How To Use “Permittable” In A Sentence
The word “permittable” is also an adjective, but it is less commonly used than “permissible.” It describes something that is capable of being permitted or allowed, but does not necessarily imply that it is currently allowed or permitted. Some examples of how to use “permittable” in a sentence include:
- “The proposed construction project is technically permittable under local zoning laws.”
- “The new software update is not currently permittable on this operating system.”
- “The use of drones for commercial purposes is becoming more permittable as regulations evolve.”
When using “permittable” in a sentence, it is important to make clear whether the action or behavior being described is currently allowed or not, and to provide context for why it may or may not be permitted.
More Examples Of Permissible & Permittable Used In Sentences
In order to fully understand the difference between permissible and permittable, it is important to see how they are used in context. Here are some examples of using these words in sentences:
Examples Of Using Permissible In A Sentence
- The use of electronic devices is permissible during the flight.
- It is permissible to park in this spot for up to two hours.
- Smoking is not permissible in this building.
- It is permissible to bring your own food to the event.
- Wearing sneakers is permissible for this dress code.
- The company’s policy is that remote work is permissible on Fridays.
- It is permissible to take photographs in this museum.
- Using a pseudonym is permissible when submitting a manuscript.
- It is permissible to use a calculator during the exam.
- The use of headphones is permissible in the library.
Examples Of Using Permittable In A Sentence
- This material is not permittable for use in construction.
- Only certain types of ID are permittable for entry into the club.
- These modifications are not permittable under the terms of the lease.
- It is not permittable to bring outside food into the restaurant.
- These chemicals are not permittable for use in this lab.
- Only licensed professionals are permittable to perform this procedure.
- These changes are not permittable under the current regulations.
- It is not permittable to use this equipment without proper training.
- These modifications are not permittable under the building code.
- Only certain types of vehicles are permittable on this road.
Common Mistakes To Avoid
When it comes to using the words permissible and permittable, many people tend to use them interchangeably, which is incorrect. Here are some common mistakes people make and why they are incorrect:
Using Permissible When Permittle Is Meant
One common mistake is using the word permissible when permittable is actually meant. Permissible refers to something that is allowed or permitted by law, rules, or regulations. On the other hand, permittable means that something can be granted permission or that it is capable of being permitted. For instance:
- Incorrect: The company’s actions were not permittable by the law.
- Correct: The company’s actions were not permissible by the law.
Using Permittle When Permissible Is Meant
Another mistake is using the word permittable when permissible is intended. Permissible is used to describe something that is allowed or permitted, while permittable is used to describe something that can be granted permission. Here’s an example:
- Incorrect: The use of cell phones is not permittable in the library.
- Correct: The use of cell phones is not permissible in the library.
Offering Tips To Avoid These Mistakes
To avoid making these mistakes in the future, it’s essential to understand the difference between the two words. One tip is to use permissible when referring to something that is allowed or permitted by law, rules, or regulations. On the other hand, use permittable when referring to something that can be granted permission or that is capable of being permitted. Additionally, it’s crucial to proofread your writing to ensure that you have used the correct word.
Context Matters
When it comes to choosing between the words “permissible” and “permittable,” context plays a crucial role in determining which word to use. Both words are adjectives that describe something that is allowed or authorized, but they are not always interchangeable. The context in which they are used can significantly impact the choice between these two words.
Examples Of Different Contexts
Let’s take a look at some examples of different contexts and how the choice between “permissible” and “permittable” might change:
Legal Context
In a legal context, “permissible” is often used to describe something that is allowed by law or that conforms to legal standards. For example, a lawyer might argue that a particular action is permissible under the law. On the other hand, “permittable” is not commonly used in legal contexts because it implies the need for a permit or authorization, which may not always be required.
Technical Context
In a technical context, such as engineering or chemistry, “permittable” is often used to describe something that is allowed or authorized by a specific permit or regulation. For example, a chemical engineer might describe a particular process as “permittable” because it has been authorized by a regulatory agency. In contrast, “permissible” is not commonly used in technical contexts because it does not convey the specific authorization or permit required.
Social Context
In a social context, the choice between “permissible” and “permittable” can depend on the specific social norms or standards in place. For example, in some cultures, certain behaviors may be permissible but not socially acceptable. In this case, “permissible” would be the more appropriate word to use. On the other hand, in a context where specific permits or authorizations are required, such as for a public event or gathering, “permittable” would be the more appropriate word to use.
As we can see, the choice between “permissible” and “permittable” can depend on the context in which they are used. Understanding the specific context and the nuances of each word can help ensure that the right word is used to convey the intended meaning.
Exceptions To The Rules
While the rules for using “permissible” and “permittable” are generally straightforward, there are some exceptions where these rules might not apply. Here are a few cases where the use of these words may differ:
Legal Terminology
In legal terminology, “permissible” and “permittable” may have different meanings than in everyday language. For example, in a court of law, “permissible” may refer to evidence that is admissible and can be used in a trial, while “permittable” may refer to a permit or license that is required for a certain activity.
Technical Jargon
In technical jargon, “permissible” and “permittable” may also have specific meanings depending on the industry or field. For example, in the mining industry, “permissible” may refer to equipment that meets safety standards and can be used in underground mines, while “permittable” may refer to the process of obtaining a permit to mine in a certain area.
Regional Differences
In some regions, the use of “permissible” and “permittable” may vary depending on local dialects or customs. For example, in British English, “permissible” is more commonly used than “permittable,” while in American English, both words are used interchangeably.
Contextual Usage
Finally, the use of “permissible” and “permittable” may depend on the context in which they are used. For example, in a sentence such as “The use of cell phones is not permissible in this area,” “permissible” would be the correct choice because it refers to something that is allowed or permitted. However, in a sentence such as “A permit is required for this activity,” “permittable” would be the correct choice because it refers to the act of obtaining a permit.
It’s important to keep in mind these exceptions and to use “permissible” and “permittable” appropriately depending on the context and industry.
Practice Exercises
One of the best ways to improve your understanding and use of permissible and permittable is through practice exercises. Here are some exercises to help you become more familiar with these words:
Exercise 1: Fill In The Blank
Choose the correct word (permissible or permittable) to fill in the blank in each sentence:
- It is not __________ to smoke in this building.
- The use of cell phones is __________ during the exam.
- Is it __________ to park on the street overnight?
- The company has a __________ policy for employees who want to work from home.
Answer Key:
- permissible
- not permissible
- permissible
- permittable
Explanation: In sentence 1, smoking is not allowed, so we use “permissible.” In sentence 2, cell phone use is prohibited, so we use “not permissible.” In sentence 3, parking on the street is allowed, so we use “permissible.” In sentence 4, the company has a policy that allows working from home, so we use “permittable.”
Exercise 2: Rewrite The Sentence
Rewrite each sentence using the opposite word (permissible or permittable) and keep the meaning the same:
- It is permittable to bring your own food to the event.
- Smoking is not permissible in this area.
- Is it permissible to take pictures inside the museum?
- The company has a permittable policy for employees who want to work from home.
Answer Key:
- It is permissible to bring your own food to the event.
- Smoking is not permittable in this area.
- Is it permittable to take pictures inside the museum?
- The company has a permissible policy for employees who want to work from home.
Explanation: In each sentence, we simply switch the words “permissible” and “permittable” to get the opposite meaning while keeping the sentence structure and meaning the same.
Conclusion
After exploring the differences between permissible and permittable, it is clear that these two words have distinct meanings and should not be used interchangeably. Permissible refers to what is allowed or permitted by law or rules, while permittable refers to what is capable of being permitted or allowed.
It is important to use the correct word in the appropriate context to avoid confusion or potential legal issues. In addition, this highlights the importance of understanding grammar and language use in communication.
Key Takeaways
- Permissible refers to what is allowed or permitted by law or rules.
- Permittable refers to what is capable of being permitted or allowed.
- These two words should not be used interchangeably.
- Using the correct word in the appropriate context is important to avoid confusion or potential legal issues.
- Understanding grammar and language use is essential in effective communication.
By continuing to learn about grammar and language use, readers can improve their communication skills and avoid common mistakes that can affect their professional and personal lives.
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.