French Phrase
Ils peuvent pas entrer sans autorisation.
Meaning
They cannot go in without permission. The sentence is informal because the ‘ne’ of the standard negative construction is omitted, which is common in everyday spoken French.
When to use
Use this phrase when you need to tell someone that entry is prohibited unless they have explicit permission, such as in a workplace, a private event, or a restricted area. It works well in casual conversation or when giving a quick warning.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Ilspeuventpasentrersansautorisation.
Subject-Verb Agreement
‘Ils’ (they) requires the third‑person plural form ‘peuvent’ of the verb ‘pouvoir’.
Negative Construction (colloquial)
In spoken French the ‘ne’ is often dropped, leaving only ‘pas’ after the verb.
Infinitive after ‘pouvoir’
When ‘pouvoir’ is used, it is followed by an infinitive verb—in this case ‘entrer’ (to enter).
Preposition ‘sans’
‘Sans’ means ‘without’ and is followed by a noun, here ‘autorisation’ (permission).
Article Omission
‘Autorisation’ is used without an article in this generic statement.
🗨In Conversation
Excusez‑moi, je peux entrer ?
Excuse me, may I come in?
Non, ils peuvent pas entrer sans autorisation.
No, they can’t enter without permission.
✕Common Mistakes
Ils peuvent pas entrer sans autorisation.
In formal writing you need the ‘ne’: ‘ne peuvent pas’. Dropping ‘ne’ is informal.
Ils ne peuvent pas entrer sans l’autorisation.
Do not add an article before ‘autorisation’ in this generic statement; ‘sans l’autorisation’ would refer to a specific permission already mentioned.
Ils ne peuvent pas entrer le.
If you want to use a noun instead of the infinitive, you must change the structure: ‘Ils ne sont pas autorisés à entrer.’
↔Alternatives
Ils ne peuvent pas entrer sans autorisation.
They cannot enter without permission.
Ils ne sont pas autorisés à entrer.
They are not authorized to enter.
Il faut une autorisation pour entrer.
You need permission to enter.
Cultural Tip
In formal written French you should keep the ‘ne’ (Ils ne peuvent pas…). Dropping ‘ne’ is perfectly natural in spoken language, especially among younger speakers, but it can sound too casual in official notices or business emails. Also, French signage often uses the infinitive form: ‘Entrer sans autorisation interdite.’