What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
sanction
Example
The government imposed economic sanctions on the country for violating human rights. [sanctions: noun]
Example
The company was sanctioned for violating environmental regulations. [sanctioned: past tense verb]
permission
Example
I need permission from my boss to take time off work. [permission: noun]
Example
She asked her parents for permission to go to the party. [permission: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Permission is more commonly used than sanction in everyday language. Permission is a common word used in various contexts, while sanction is less common and often used in legal or political contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between sanction and permission?
Sanction is typically associated with a formal and serious tone, while permission can be used in both formal and informal contexts, making it more versatile in terms of formality level.