I approved of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I approved of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when expressing agreement or support for a decision, action, or idea. Example: "After reviewing the proposal, I approved of the changes made by the team."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

21 human-written examples

Naturally, I approved of all of this.

The New York Times - Travel

I decided I approved of the match.

The New York Times

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

The New York Times

"I mean, it's not like I approved of everything these parents were doing.

The New York Times - Science

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

The New York Times

I can't remember the last time I approved of a politically motivated rebranding.

The Guardian - Opinion

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

36 human-written examples

"I approve of that.

The New Yorker

I approve of their ideas".

The New Yorker

And I approve of that.

Independent

I approve of the decision.

The New Yorker

I guess I approve of that message.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "I approved of", ensure the object of your approval is clearly stated to avoid ambiguity. For instance, "I approved of the budget proposal" is more precise than simply, "I approved of it."

Common error

Avoid using "I approved of" in highly formal or academic writing where more sophisticated synonyms like "I endorsed" or "I sanctioned" might be more appropriate to convey a higher degree of authority or official endorsement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I approved of" functions as a declarative statement indicating endorsement or agreement. It establishes the speaker's positive stance towards a specific action, decision, or idea, as evidenced by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

76%

Formal & Business

12%

Science

12%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "I approved of" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression to indicate agreement or endorsement. Ludwig confirms its validity and provides numerous examples from reputable sources, primarily in the News & Media context. While generally neutral in tone, it can be adapted for more formal settings by using synonyms such as "I endorsed" or "I sanctioned". When employing this phrase, clarity is key; ensure the object of approval is explicitly stated. Overall, "I approved of" is a versatile and reliable phrase for expressing assent.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I gave my approval to

Emphasizes the act of granting permission or agreement.

I endorsed

Suggests a more formal or public declaration of support.

I supported

Highlights active backing or advocacy for something.

I was in favor of

Indicates a positive inclination or preference.

I sanctioned

Implies official authorization or permission.

I ratified

Suggests formal confirmation or validation, often in a legal context.

I found acceptable

Conveys a sense of something meeting the required standards.

I acquiesced to

Implies reluctant acceptance or agreement without protest.

I concurred with

Indicates agreement in opinion or judgment.

I assented to

Suggests formal agreement or compliance.

FAQs

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

Use "I approved of" to express your agreement or endorsement of something. For example, "I approved of the new marketing strategy" or "I approved of her decision to pursue further education".

What are some alternatives to "I approved of"?

You can use alternatives like "I endorsed", "I supported", or "I was in favor of" depending on the context.

Is "I approved of" formal or informal?

"I approved of" is generally considered neutral to slightly formal. For very formal contexts, "I endorsed" or "I sanctioned" might be more suitable.

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

"I approved of" typically refers to endorsing a decision or action, whereas "I agreed with" usually indicates agreement with an opinion or statement.