Permissive vs Permissible: How Are These Words Connected?

When it comes to language, there are often words that are similar in meaning but have subtle differences that can make all the difference in usage. One such pair of words is permissive and permissible. While they may seem interchangeable, there are specific contexts where one is more appropriate than the other.

Permissive and permissible are both adjectives that describe something that is allowed or tolerated, but there are slight differences between the two. Permissive implies a more lenient or relaxed attitude towards rules or behavior, while permissible simply means that something is allowed or acceptable within a given set of rules or guidelines.

For example, a permissive parent may allow their child to stay up past their bedtime or eat junk food, while a permissible parent may still have rules in place but allow some flexibility within those rules. In a legal context, something may be permissible if it is allowed by law, while a permissive law may allow for more leeway in interpretation or enforcement.

Throughout this article, we will explore the nuances of these two words and when it is appropriate to use each one.

Define Permissive

Permissive refers to a lenient or liberal approach towards rules, regulations, or laws. It implies a willingness to allow or tolerate certain behaviors or actions, even if they may be deemed inappropriate or unacceptable by others. Permissive individuals or institutions often prioritize individual freedom and autonomy over strict adherence to established norms or standards.

Define Permissible

Permissible, on the other hand, refers to something that is allowed or authorized according to a set of rules, regulations, or laws. It implies a clear boundary between what is acceptable and what is not, and a strict adherence to established norms or standards. Permissible actions or behaviors are typically deemed appropriate or acceptable by the relevant authorities or institutions.

Here is a table summarizing the differences between permissive and permissible:

Permissive	Permissible
Lenient or liberal approach	Strict adherence to rules or laws
Tolerates certain behaviors or actions	Allows only authorized actions or behaviors
Prioritizes individual freedom and autonomy	Emphasizes established norms or standards

It is important to note that the terms permissive and permissible are often used interchangeably, but they do have distinct meanings and implications. Understanding these differences can help individuals and institutions make informed decisions about how to approach rules, regulations, or laws in various contexts.

How To Properly Use The Words In A Sentence

Using the right words in a sentence is crucial to effective communication. Two words that are often confused are permissive and permissible. While they may sound similar, they have different meanings and should be used appropriately. In this section, we will discuss how to use permissive and permissible in a sentence.

How To Use Permissive In A Sentence

The word permissive is an adjective that describes a person or authority that allows something to happen, even if it may not be the best choice. Here are some examples of how to use permissive in a sentence:

• My permissive parents let me stay up as late as I wanted.
• The permissive teacher allowed the students to use their phones during class.
• The company had a permissive policy on dress code, allowing employees to wear casual clothing to work.

As you can see, permissive is used to describe a person or authority that allows something that may not be the best choice. It is often used in a negative connotation.

How To Use Permissible In A Sentence

The word permissible is also an adjective, but it describes something that is allowed or permitted according to rules or laws. Here are some examples of how to use permissible in a sentence:

• It is not permissible to smoke in the building.
• The use of cell phones is permissible during breaks.
• The company has a policy that allows employees to work from home, if permissible.

Permissible is used to describe something that is allowed or permitted according to rules or laws. It is often used in a positive connotation.

Remember to use permissive and permissible appropriately in your writing to ensure effective communication and avoid confusion.

More Examples Of Permissive & Permissible Used In Sentences

In order to better understand the difference between permissive and permissible, it can be helpful to see how they are used in context. Here are some examples:

Examples Of Using Permissive In A Sentence

• The permissive parent allowed their child to stay up all night playing video games.
• The school had a permissive dress code that allowed students to wear whatever they wanted.
• The permissive teacher rarely enforced the classroom rules.
• The permissive society tolerated all kinds of behavior.
• The permissive culture encouraged people to do whatever made them happy.
• The permissive government allowed businesses to operate without any regulations.
• The permissive attitude towards drug use led to a rise in addiction.
• The permissive boss rarely gave feedback to their employees.
• The permissive coach allowed their players to skip practice whenever they wanted.
• The permissive landlord allowed their tenants to make whatever changes they wanted to the property.

Examples Of Using Permissible In A Sentence

• It is permissible to bring your own food and drinks into the movie theater.
• The company policy makes it clear what is permissible behavior in the workplace.
• The use of force is only permissible in self-defense situations.
• It is not permissible to park in the handicapped spot without a permit.
• Smoking is not permissible on the premises.
• It is permissible to take photos inside the museum, but not with a flash.
• Only certain types of weapons are permissible for hunting in this area.
• It is not permissible to use company funds for personal expenses.
• It is permissible to bring your dog to the park as long as they are on a leash.
• The dress code specifies what is permissible attire for the event.

Common Mistakes To Avoid

When it comes to using permissive and permissible, many people make the mistake of using these words interchangeably. However, these two words have different meanings and cannot be used in place of each other. Here are some common mistakes to avoid:

Using Permissive When You Mean Permissible

Permissive means allowing or characterized by great or excessive freedom of behavior. On the other hand, permissible means allowed or permitted. The two words may seem similar, but they are not interchangeable. For example, saying “the school has a permissive policy on cell phone use” is incorrect. The correct sentence should be “the school has a permissible policy on cell phone use.”

Using Permissible When You Mean Permissive

Conversely, using permissible when you mean permissive is also a common mistake. Permissive refers to a lenient or lax attitude, while permissible refers to something that is allowed or permitted. For instance, saying “the company has a permissible dress code policy” is incorrect. The correct sentence should be “the company has a permissive dress code policy.”

Using Permissive Or Permissible In The Wrong Context

Another mistake people make is using permissive or permissible in the wrong context. For example, saying “the government has a permissive law on gun control” is incorrect. The correct sentence should be “the government has a permissive attitude towards gun control.” Similarly, saying “the company has a permissible attitude towards sexual harassment” is incorrect. The correct sentence should be “the company has a zero-tolerance policy towards sexual harassment.”

Tips To Avoid Making These Mistakes

• Use a dictionary to check the meaning of words before using them
• Read your writing carefully to ensure you are using the correct word
• Ask someone else to proofread your writing to catch any mistakes you may have missed

By avoiding these common mistakes, you can ensure that you are using permissive and permissible correctly in your writing and communication.

Context Matters

When it comes to choosing between the terms permissive and permissible, context plays a crucial role. The connotation and denotation of these terms can vary depending on the situation in which they are used. Therefore, it is important to understand the context in which each of these terms is appropriate.

Examples Of Different Contexts

Let’s take a look at some examples of different contexts and how the choice between permissive and permissible might change:

Context	Permissive	Permissible
Parenting	A permissive parenting style allows children to have more freedom and fewer rules.	A permissible parenting style sets clear boundaries and rules for children to follow.
Law	A permissive law allows for more leniency and flexibility in its interpretation and enforcement.	A permissible law sets clear guidelines and restrictions for behavior.
Education	A permissive teaching style allows students to have more input and control over their learning.	A permissible teaching style sets clear expectations and guidelines for student behavior and learning outcomes.

As you can see from these examples, the choice between permissive and permissible can have a significant impact on the outcome of the situation. It is important to consider the context and choose the appropriate term accordingly.

Exceptions To The Rules

Identifying Exceptions

While the rules for using permissive and permissible are generally straightforward, there are certain exceptions where they may not apply. These exceptions can be identified by examining the context in which the words are being used.

One exception is when the words are being used in a legal context. In legal language, permissive and permissible may have specific meanings that differ from their everyday usage. In such cases, it is important to consult legal dictionaries or seek the advice of a legal professional to ensure that the correct word is being used.

Another exception is when the words are being used in a technical context. Technical language often has its own set of rules and conventions, and the use of permissive and permissible may be subject to these rules. Again, it is important to consult technical dictionaries or seek the advice of a technical expert to ensure that the correct word is being used.

Explaining Exceptions

In legal language, permissive often refers to the granting of a right or privilege, while permissible refers to what is allowed or permitted. For example, a permissive law might grant the right to carry a concealed weapon, while a permissible law might allow the carrying of a concealed weapon under certain conditions.

In technical language, permissive may refer to the ability of a system to allow certain actions or behaviors, while permissible may refer to what is allowed or permitted within the system. For example, a permissive system might allow users to bypass certain security measures, while a permissible system might only allow users to access certain data or functions.

In both cases, it is important to understand the specific meanings of permissive and permissible within the context in which they are being used, in order to avoid confusion or misinterpretation.

Examples Of Exceptions

Context	Example	Correct Word
Legal	A permissive law allows the use of marijuana for medical purposes.	Permissive
Legal	A permissible law allows the use of marijuana for medical purposes with a doctor’s prescription.	Permissible
Technical	A permissive firewall allows all traffic to pass through.	Permissive
Technical	A permissible firewall only allows traffic from authorized sources.	Permissible

Overall, while the rules for using permissive and permissible are generally straightforward, it is important to be aware of any exceptions where the rules may not apply. By understanding the context in which the words are being used, and seeking the advice of experts when necessary, we can ensure that we are using the correct word and conveying the intended meaning.

Practice Exercises

One of the best ways to improve your understanding and use of permissive and permissible is through practice exercises. Here are a few examples to get you started:

Exercise 1:

Choose the correct word to fill in the blank:

1. The teacher was __________ of students using their phones during class.
2. The company had a __________ policy on remote work.
3. My parents are usually __________ when it comes to curfew.

Answer key:

1. permissive
2. permissible
3. permissive

Exercise 2:

Write a sentence using each word correctly:

• Permissive:
• The principal was permissive of the students’ request for a longer lunch period.
• Permissible:
• It is permissible to bring outside food into the movie theater.

Exercise 3:

Identify whether the following sentences use permissive or permissible:

Sentence	Word used
The dress code is strictly enforced.	permissible
Employees are allowed to work from home on Fridays.	permissive
The use of cell phones is not allowed in the library.	permissible
The school has a permissive attitude towards tardiness.	permissive

Explanation: In the first sentence, the word “permissible” would not make sense, as the dress code is not something that is allowed or not allowed, but rather something that is enforced. The second sentence uses “permissive” correctly, as it describes a relaxed policy. The third sentence uses “permissible” correctly, as it is describing what is allowed or not allowed. The fourth sentence also uses “permissive” correctly, as it describes the overall attitude towards tardiness.

Conclusion

In conclusion, understanding the difference between permissive and permissible can greatly improve your writing skills. Remember that permissive means allowing something that is not considered proper or correct, while permissible means something that is allowed or acceptable according to rules or laws.

When it comes to grammar and language use, it is important to follow the rules and guidelines to effectively communicate your message. However, there are some instances where a permissive approach can be appropriate, such as in creative writing or informal communication.

Key Takeaways

• Permissive means allowing something that is not considered proper or correct.
• Permissible means something that is allowed or acceptable according to rules or laws.
• Following grammar and language rules is important in effective communication.
• There are instances where a permissive approach can be appropriate, such as in creative writing or informal communication.

By continuing to learn about grammar and language use, you can further improve your writing skills and effectively communicate your message to your audience.