ask for permission

Meaning

To request approval or consent from an authority figure (like a boss or manager) before doing something. It is a polite and professional way to ensure you are allowed to take a specific action.

Examples

• You must ask for permission before you use the company car.

  You must ask for permission before you use the company car.

• I need to ask for permission from my manager to work from home tomorrow.

  I need to ask for permission from my manager to work from home tomorrow.

• She didn't ask for permission to share the confidential files.

  She didn't ask for permission to share the confidential files.

• Employees should always ask for permission before taking office equipment home.

  Employees should always ask for permission before taking office equipment home.

• He had to ask for permission to leave the meeting early.

  He had to ask for permission to leave the meeting early.

Common Mistakes

• ✗ I need to ask permission to my boss.

  ✓ I need to ask my boss for permission.

  The correct structure is 'ask someone for permission' or 'ask for permission from someone'. Do not say 'ask permission to [someone]'.

• ✗ She asked for a permission to take a day off.

  ✓ She asked for permission to take a day off.

  'Permission' is an uncountable noun in this context, so do not use the indefinite article 'a' before it.

Related Expressions

Practice

• Remember to ___ before inviting external guests to the office.

  💡 Request approval first

  Show answer

  ask for permission

• Did you ___ from the director to purchase this software?

  💡 Seek authorization

  Show answer

  ask for permission