Are you confused about whether to use permissive or permission in your writing? It’s a common mistake, but fear not, we’re here to help you clear things up. In this article, we’ll explore the differences between the two words and when to use each of them.
We should define the two words. Permissive means allowing or characterized by great or excessive freedom of behavior. Permission, on the other hand, means the act of allowing something or the state of being allowed.
So, which one is the proper word to use? Well, it depends on the context of your writing. If you’re describing a person or situation that allows for a lot of freedom, then permissive would be the correct choice. If you’re talking about granting someone the ability to do something, then permission would be the way to go.
Throughout the rest of this article, we’ll delve deeper into the nuances of each word and provide examples to help you better understand when to use permissive vs permission.
Define Permissive
Permissive can be defined as allowing or characterized by great or excessive freedom of behavior. It is a term that is often used to describe a lenient or lax approach to rules or regulations. In a permissive environment, individuals are given a considerable amount of autonomy and are allowed to make decisions without much guidance or oversight.
Permissive can also refer to a parenting style that is characterized by warmth and responsiveness, but lacks structure and discipline. Parents who adopt a permissive parenting style often avoid setting limits or enforcing rules, and instead prioritize their child’s happiness and well-being over obedience and conformity.
Define Permission
Permission, on the other hand, refers to the act of giving someone authorization or consent to do something. It is a formal or informal approval that is granted by an authority figure or someone in a position of power. Permission can be explicit or implicit, and can be granted verbally or in writing.
Permission is often required in situations where an individual wants to take an action that may have consequences for themselves or others. For example, a person may need permission from their employer to take time off work, or from a parent to attend a social event. Without permission, an individual may face negative consequences such as disciplinary action or social exclusion.
How To Properly Use The Words In A Sentence
When it comes to using words in a sentence, it’s important to understand their meanings and how they can be used correctly. The words “permissive” and “permission” are often confused with each other, but they have distinct meanings that should be used properly in a sentence.
How To Use “Permissive” In A Sentence
The word “permissive” is an adjective that describes someone or something that allows or permits certain actions or behaviors. Here are some examples of how to use “permissive” in a sentence:
- The permissive teacher allowed her students to use their phones during class.
- The permissive parent let their child stay up late on a school night.
- The permissive boss allowed his employees to take long breaks.
As you can see, “permissive” is used to describe a person or situation that is lenient or tolerant of certain actions or behaviors.
How To Use “Permission” In A Sentence
The word “permission” is a noun that refers to the act of allowing or giving consent for something to happen. Here are some examples of how to use “permission” in a sentence:
- The teacher gave her students permission to use their phones during class.
- The parent asked for permission to let their child stay up late on a school night.
- The employee asked for permission to take a long break from the boss.
As you can see, “permission” is used to describe the act of allowing or giving consent for something to happen. It is often used in a formal or official context.
More Examples Of Permissive & Permission Used In Sentences
In this section, we will provide more examples of how permissive and permission are used in sentences. These examples will help you understand the context and usage of these words better.
Examples Of Using Permissive In A Sentence
- Her permissive parenting style allowed her children to make their own decisions.
- The school had a permissive dress code policy that allowed students to wear casual clothes.
- The permissive atmosphere in the office encouraged creativity and innovation.
- The permissive laws in the country allowed for the sale and consumption of alcohol.
- He had a permissive attitude towards his employees and allowed them to work flexible hours.
- The permissive society of the 1960s allowed for the rise of counterculture.
- The permissive teacher allowed her students to use their phones during class.
- His permissive behavior towards his girlfriend’s flirting made her feel uncomfortable.
- The permissive rules of the game allowed for a more exciting and dynamic play.
- The permissive attitude of the government towards pollution led to environmental degradation.
Examples Of Using Permission In A Sentence
- She asked for permission to leave early from work.
- The teacher gave permission to the students to use the restroom.
- He had to get permission from his boss to take a day off.
- The company required written permission from the client before releasing any information.
- The landlord gave permission to the tenants to paint the walls of their apartment.
- The museum required permission from the artist before displaying their artwork.
- The school required parental permission for students to participate in the field trip.
- He didn’t have permission to access the confidential files.
- The security guard denied permission to enter the building without a valid ID.
- The website required permission to use cookies for personalized advertising.
Common Mistakes To Avoid
When it comes to using language, it’s easy to confuse similar-sounding words. One such pair that often gets mixed up is “permissive” and “permission.” Here are some common mistakes to avoid when using these words:
Using “Permissive” As A Noun
One common mistake is using “permissive” as a noun, as in “I need your permissive to do this.” This is incorrect because “permissive” is actually an adjective, meaning allowing or characterized by permissiveness. The correct noun form is “permission,” which means the act of allowing something.
Using “Permission” As An Adjective
Conversely, using “permission” as an adjective, as in “I need your permission slip,” is also incorrect. “Permission” is a noun, and the correct adjective form is “permissive.” For example, “I need your permissive approval.”
Confusing The Meanings Of The Words
Another common mistake is using “permissive” and “permission” interchangeably, without regard for their distinct meanings. “Permissive” implies a lenient or relaxed attitude towards rules or behavior, while “permission” refers to the act of allowing something. For example, “My parents are permissive” means they are lenient, while “My parents gave me permission to go out” means they allowed me to go out.
Using The Wrong Form Of The Word
Finally, another common mistake is using the wrong form of the word. For example, saying “I need your permissive to do this” instead of “I need your permission to do this.” To avoid this mistake, it’s important to understand the correct forms of each word and use them appropriately.
To avoid making these mistakes in the future, here are some tips:
- Remember that “permissive” is an adjective and “permission” is a noun.
- Think about the meanings of each word and use them appropriately.
- Double-check your usage of these words to ensure you are using them correctly.
Context Matters
When it comes to choosing between “permissive” and “permission,” context plays a crucial role in determining which word to use. Both words are related to granting or allowing something, but they have different connotations that can impact the overall message being conveyed.
Permissive
The word “permissive” implies a lenient or relaxed attitude towards granting permission. It suggests that there are few if any restrictions or limitations placed on what is being allowed. This word is often used in contexts where freedom or flexibility is valued, such as:
- Parenting styles
- Education policies
- Government regulations
For example, a permissive parenting style might allow a child to make their own decisions and have fewer rules to follow, while a permissive education policy might allow students to choose their own courses and have more flexibility in their schedules.
Permission
On the other hand, the word “permission” implies a more formal or structured approach to granting access or approval for something. It suggests that there are specific rules or guidelines that must be followed in order to receive permission. This word is often used in contexts where compliance or adherence to rules is valued, such as:
- Legal documents
- Workplace policies
- Contract agreements
For example, an employment contract might require an employee to seek permission from their supervisor before taking time off, or a legal document might require permission from a court before taking certain actions.
Ultimately, the choice between “permissive” and “permission” depends on the context in which they are used. By understanding the connotations and implications of each word, writers can choose the word that best fits the tone and message of their writing.
Exceptions To The Rules
Identifying Exceptions
While the rules for using permissive and permission are generally straightforward, there are some exceptions to be aware of. These exceptions can be identified in certain situations where the standard usage of these terms might not apply.
One exception to the rules for using permissive and permission is in legal contexts. In legal language, the term “permission” is often used in a more specific and technical sense than in everyday speech. For example, a license or permit might be required to engage in a particular activity, and this requirement might be referred to as a “permission” in legal documents. In this case, the use of “permissive” would not be appropriate, as it implies a more general sense of allowance rather than a specific legal requirement.
Another exception to the rules can be found in certain dialects or regional variations of English. In some cases, the use of “permissive” or “permission” might not be consistent with the norms of a particular dialect or region. For example, in some parts of the United States, the word “permit” might be used more commonly than “permission” in everyday speech. In these cases, it’s important to be aware of the particular linguistic context in which the terms are being used.
Explaining Exceptions
Each of these exceptions can be explained in more detail to provide a clearer understanding of when the rules for using permissive and permission might not apply.
| Exception | Explanation | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Legal language | In legal contexts, “permission” is often used in a more specific and technical sense than in everyday speech, and “permissive” would not be appropriate. | “The company was required to obtain a permit from the local government before beginning construction.” |
| Dialects or regional variations | In some dialects or regions, the use of “permissive” or “permission” might not be consistent with local norms. | “I need to get a permit to park on the street in this city.” |
By understanding these exceptions to the rules for using permissive and permission, you can ensure that your usage of these terms is appropriate and effective in a variety of contexts.
Practice Exercises
Improving one’s understanding and use of permissive and permission can be achieved through practice exercises. Below are some exercises that can help readers enhance their knowledge of the two terms:
Exercise 1: Fill In The Blank
| Sentence | Blank |
|---|---|
| The teacher gave __________ to the students to leave the classroom early. | |
| My parents are very __________ when it comes to curfew. | |
| The security guard granted __________ to enter the building. |
Answer key:
- permission
- permissive
- permission
Exercise 2: Identify The Correct Term
Choose the correct term to complete the sentence.
- The manager was __________ in allowing the employees to work from home.
- Permissive
- Permission
- Permissive
- Permission
- Permissive
- Permission
Answer key:
- Permissive
- Permission
- Permissive
By practicing exercises like these, readers can improve their understanding and use of permissive and permission in sentences. Answer keys or explanations for each exercise can help readers identify their mistakes and learn from them.
Conclusion
In conclusion, understanding the difference between permissive and permission is crucial for effective communication. The use of permissive language can lead to misunderstandings and confusion, while permission language can clarify expectations and boundaries. It is important to consider the context and audience when choosing which type of language to use.
Some key takeaways from this article include:
- Permissive language allows for more flexibility and freedom, while permission language sets clear boundaries and expectations.
- Permissive language can be useful in certain situations, such as when giving compliments or expressing gratitude, but it should be used sparingly in professional settings.
- Permission language is essential for establishing clear expectations and boundaries in professional and personal relationships.
- It is important to consider the context and audience when choosing which type of language to use.
As language and grammar are constantly evolving, it is important to continue learning and staying up to date with best practices. By improving our language use, we can enhance our communication skills and build stronger relationships with those around us.
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.