Meaning & use
permit only
Last updated
UK/pəˈmɪt ˌəʊnli/
US/pərˈmɪt ˌoʊnli/
Meaning
phrasefixed phrase
A sign meaning that only people who have official permission may enter or use something.
Grammar: Used mainly on signs and notices; not part of a normal sentence.
Patterns
- permit only parking
- permit only area
The sign says 'permit only', so we can't park here.
This is a permit only lot; you'll get a ticket without a sticker.
Common combinations
- permit only parking
- The street has permit only parking during the day.
- permit only area
- You can't fish here; it's a permit only area.
- permit only sign
- They put up a permit only sign at the entrance.
Synonyms and how they differ
- authorized personnel only
- This is used for people, not vehicles or areas; it means only staff with permission may enter.
- residents only
- This means only people who live there; it does not involve a permit.
Word family
Practice
You see a sign that says 'permit only'. What does it mean?
Choose one answer.
'Permit only' means you need a permit to park. 'Everyone can park' and 'no parking' are the opposite, and 'pay to park' is about money, not permission.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “permit only”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.
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