Permission vs. Permit

Attribute	Permission	Permit
Definition	The act of allowing someone to do something	An official document or certificate that allows someone to do something
Formality	Can be informal or formal	Usually formal and requires documentation
Duration	Can be temporary or permanent	Usually temporary
Authority	Can be granted by an individual or organization	Usually granted by a governing body or authority
Scope	Can be broad or specific	Usually specific to a certain activity or location

Definition

Permission and permit are two terms that are often used interchangeably, but they actually have distinct meanings. Permission refers to the act of allowing someone to do something, while a permit is an official document that grants someone the right to do something. In essence, permission is the act of granting approval, while a permit is the physical documentation of that approval.

Authority

One key difference between permission and permit is the authority behind them. Permission is typically granted by an individual or organization with the power to allow or disallow certain actions. For example, a parent may give their child permission to go to a friend's house. On the other hand, a permit is usually issued by a government agency or other official body. For instance, a building permit is required before construction can begin on a new structure.

Scope

Another distinction between permission and permit is the scope of their application. Permission is often granted for specific actions or situations, and may be limited in duration. For example, a teacher may give a student permission to leave class early for a doctor's appointment. Permits, on the other hand, are typically broader in scope and may cover a range of activities. A driver's permit, for instance, allows someone to operate a motor vehicle under certain conditions.

Legal Implications

One important factor to consider when comparing permission and permit is the legal implications of each. Permission is often informal and may not have any legal standing. For example, if a property owner gives someone permission to enter their land, they may not have any legal recourse if the person causes damage. Permits, on the other hand, are legally binding documents that outline the conditions under which certain activities are allowed. Violating a permit can result in fines or other penalties.

Process

The process of obtaining permission versus a permit also differs. Permission can often be granted verbally or through a simple written agreement. For example, a landlord may give a tenant permission to have a pet in their rental unit. Permits, on the other hand, typically require a more formal application process. This may involve submitting documentation, paying fees, and meeting certain criteria. For example, obtaining a permit to hold a public event may require submitting a detailed plan to the local government.

Revocation

One final distinction between permission and permit is the ability to revoke them. Permission is usually granted on a temporary basis and can be revoked at any time. For example, a teacher may revoke a student's permission to use their phone in class if they are caught texting. Permits, on the other hand, are typically valid for a specific period of time and can only be revoked under certain circumstances. For instance, a business may have their operating permit revoked if they repeatedly violate health and safety regulations.