I approved

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I approved" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate that you have given your consent or agreement to something, typically in a formal or professional context. Example: "After reviewing the proposal, I approved the budget for the upcoming project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

52 human-written examples

I approved your membership.

The New Yorker

I approved the law.

The Guardian

Naturally, I approved of all of this.

The New York Times - Travel

I decided I approved of the match.

The New York Times

"So to help him and his family, I approved it".

The New York Times

"Last week, I approved a mission over New York.

The New York Times

"I'm Vlad the Impaler, and I approved this message".

The New Yorker

I'm John Kerry, and I approved this message".

The New York Times

I'm Rob Simmons, I'm still on the ballot, and I approved this message".

The New York Times

I'm the C.E.O. of (Fill in the Blank) Corporation, and I approved this message".

The New York Times

"A person once asked me, in a provocative manner, if I approved of homosexuality," he said.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "I approved" to clearly state your endorsement or authorization of something, especially in professional or formal communication. This demonstrates your acceptance and responsibility for the matter.

Common error

Avoid phrasing your sentences in a passive voice where the subject receives the action. Instead of saying "The proposal was approved by me", use the direct and active form, "I approved the proposal". This makes your writing more concise and impactful.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I approved" functions as a statement of confirmation or agreement. It indicates that the speaker has given their authorization or consent to something. Ludwig AI shows that the phrase is used in various contexts to express endorsement.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Formal & Business

15%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Science

1%

Reference

1%

Social Media

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "I approved" is a grammatically correct and very common expression used to convey confirmation or authorization. Ludwig AI confirms its validity. It's primarily used in news and media, as well as in formal business settings. While straightforward, it's important to use it actively rather than passively to maintain clarity. Consider alternatives like "I authorized it" or "I endorsed it" depending on the specific context to communicate approval effectively.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I authorized it

This alternative suggests a more formal and official permission.

I gave my consent

This phrase implies a voluntary agreement to something.

I signed off on it

This implies formal approval, often with a signature.

I gave the green light

This idiom suggests permission to proceed with a project or plan.

I sanctioned it

This suggests a formal endorsement or authorization, often by an authority.

I endorsed it

This suggests public support or recommendation.

I validated it

This suggests the action of confirming the accuracy or validity.

I concurred

This alternative indicates agreement, often in a formal setting.

I rubber-stamped it

This idiom suggests approval was given without much thought or scrutiny.

I gave my blessing

This implies an informal approval, often with a sense of goodwill.

FAQs

How can I use "I approved" in a sentence?

Use "I approved" to clearly state your consent or authorization. For example, "I approved the budget for the project" or "I approved the changes to the document".

What are some alternatives to "I approved"?

You can use alternatives such as "I authorized it", "I gave my consent", or "I endorsed it" depending on the context.

Is it better to use "I approved" or "I have approved"?

Both "I approved" and "I have approved" are grammatically correct, but "I approved" (simple past) is used for actions completed in the past, while "I have approved" (present perfect) is used when the action has relevance to the present.

What's the difference between "I approved of" and "I approved"?

"I approved of" is typically used when expressing general approval or agreement with something, while "I approved" is used when giving formal consent or authorization. For example, "I approved of the plan" versus "I approved the document".