1. "Permit" as a Verb (meaning to allow or give permission)
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Structure: permit (someone) to do something / permit something
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Examples:
- "The rules do not permit smoking in this area." (Meaning: The rules do not allow smoking.)
- "My parents permitted me to go to the party." (Meaning: My parents gave me permission to go.)
- "Weather permitting, we will go on a picnic tomorrow." (Meaning: If the weather allows, we will go.) This is a more formal usage.
- "The manager permitted a short break." (Meaning: The manager allowed a short break.)
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Formal vs. Informal: "Permit" is generally more formal than "allow." In everyday conversation, "allow" is more common.
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Things to note: "Permit" is often followed by an infinitive (to + verb).
2. "Permit" as a Noun (meaning an official document giving permission)
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Structure: a permit / permits
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Examples:
- "You need a permit to park here." (Meaning: You need an official document allowing you to park here.)
- "I applied for a building permit." (Meaning: I applied for an official document allowing me to build.)
- "Do you have all the necessary permits for the construction project?" (Meaning: Do you have all the necessary official documents?)
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Types of Permits: There are many types of permits, such as parking permits, building permits, work permits, fishing permits, etc.
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Common Collocations: "Issue a permit," "obtain a permit," "apply for a permit," "a valid permit."
Key Differences to Remember:
- Verb: Used to describe the act of giving permission.
- Noun: Used to refer to the official document that grants permission.
Example showing both uses:
"The city permits construction in this zone, but you must first obtain a building permit."
In summary: When you want to say that someone is allowed to do something, use "permit" as a verb. When you are referring to the official document that gives permission, use "permit" as a noun.