I approve

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I approve" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to express your agreement or endorsement of something, such as a decision, proposal, or document. Example: "After reviewing the project proposal, I approve the budget allocation for the upcoming quarter."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"I approve".

The New Yorker

"I approve of that.

The New Yorker

As I said: I approve!

The New York Times

I approve of their ideas".

The New Yorker

And I approve of that.

Independent

I approve of the decision.

The New Yorker

"I approve the target.

The Guardian

I guess I approve of that message.

The New York Times

I approve of the drollness.

The Guardian - Sport

It doesn't mean I approve of it.

The New York Times

That's why I approve this message.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

To convey authority, follow "I approve" with a brief explanation of your reasoning. This adds weight to your decision and provides clarity. For example, "I approve this strategy because it aligns with our long-term goals."

Common error

Avoid using "I approve" in casual conversations, as it can sound overly formal or even condescending. Opt for more relaxed alternatives like "I'm good with that" or "Sounds good to me."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I approve" functions as a performative utterance, directly expressing the speaker's act of approval. It demonstrates affirmation or agreement, as confirmed by Ludwig. Examples include: "I approve of their ideas" and "I approve the target."

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "I approve" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to convey agreement, endorsement, or consent. Ludwig indicates that this phrase is suitable for various contexts, particularly in news, science, and formal business settings. While versatile, it is best to avoid using it in casual settings to prevent sounding overly formal. To diversify your language, consider alternatives such as "I endorse that" or "I support that". Overall, this phrase is well-understood and widely accepted, offering a straightforward means of expressing your affirmation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I endorse that

Implies public support or backing.

I give my consent

More formal and emphasizes permission.

I'm in agreement

Focuses on shared opinion or alignment.

I'm all for it

More enthusiastic and informal.

That's fine with me

Simple and direct expression of agreement.

I greenlight it

Emphasizes giving permission for a project to proceed.

That's acceptable to me

Indicates a level of satisfaction without strong endorsement.

I'm amenable to that

Suggests willingness to agree or comply.

I'm okay with that

Casual way of expressing agreement.

I'm down with that

Very informal and colloquial.

FAQs

What can I say instead of "I approve"?

You can use alternatives like "I endorse that", "I support that", or "I agree" depending on the context.

How formal is the phrase "I approve"?

The phrase "I approve" is generally considered formal and is often used in professional settings, official documents, or when conveying a sense of authority. In more casual settings, alternatives like "I'm okay with that" might be more appropriate.

What does it mean when someone says "I approve this message"?

In political advertising, "I approve this message" is a legally required statement indicating that the candidate or organization supports the content of the advertisement. Outside of politics, it can be used humorously to emphasize endorsement.

Is "I approve of" grammatically different from "I approve"?

Yes, "I approve of" typically requires a noun or gerund following the preposition "of", such as "I approve of the decision" or "I approve of him taking that action". "I approve", on the other hand, is often followed directly by the object being approved, as in "I approve the budget".