I highly approve

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I highly approve" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to express strong agreement or support for something, such as a decision, proposal, or idea. Example: "After reviewing the new policy changes, I highly approve of the direction the company is taking."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

Last year, after the right-wing personality Ann Coulter sent a Twitter message about Mitt Romney and President Obama — "I highly approve of Romney's decision to be kind and gentle to the retard" — Mr. Stephens wrote her a letter.

The New York Times

The tweet in question -- "I highly approve of Romney's decision to be kind and gentle to the retard" -- and a next-day followup, "Obama: 'Stage 3 Romneysia' - because cancer references are HILARIOUS.

Huffington Post

There were the usual curse-words, but I still literally cringe when I hear the word "retard," recently used by media militant Ann Coulter when she tweeted, "I highly approve of Romney's decision to be kind and gentle to the retard".

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

"I have hastily read your essay and highly approve it.

The New York Times

And, of course, if you can get Tina Fey to come back and participate in a sketch involving videotaped car washes, well, then you'll be my hero (and if you can get Seth Meyers to participate, my wife will highly approve).

Huffington Post

"We talk a lot about infidelity, but actually infidelity was much more highly approved of among men in the past than it is today.

The New York Times

Gerald, as he preferred to be called, introduced me to his wife Donna, whom he assured me was highly approving of his voyeurism, which he insisted was an important social history of the sexual activities of his motel guests.

The Guardian - Books

Mr. Murphy said that at a certain point during the filming he was "advised to retire to the perimeter of the set," but he nevertheless highly approves of the movie.

The New York Times

And a nun on the podium!" Judging by the reaction of the crowd, a great number of the delegates had heard about and highly approved of the Nuns on the Bus — either that, or they just loved the sound of it.

The New Yorker

As a long-time observer of California Pizza Kitchen, having been with them since the beginning, I must take my hat off to the new CEO, GJ Hart, and his staff for having the imagination to think 'outside of the box.' The manager told me that Larry and Rick had been in recently and highly approved of what they saw.

Huffington Post

After being dragged in front of Starr's tribunal in the 1990s, previously pronounced dead after "Hillarycare," Mrs. Clinton became a highly approved New York senator, which she jettisoned into a presidential candidacy, landing as Secretary of State (a job she's managed far better than she did her '08 campaign), because even after the brutal primary battle Pres.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "I highly approve" when you want to express strong support or agreement in a clear and direct manner. It conveys a more emphatic endorsement than simply saying "I approve".

Common error

While "I highly approve" is acceptable, overuse of "highly" in very formal writing can sound repetitive. Vary your language by using alternatives like "I strongly endorse" or "I wholeheartedly support" to maintain a sophisticated tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I highly approve" primarily functions as a declarative statement expressing strong agreement or endorsement. It conveys a speaker's positive judgment on a subject. Ludwig indicates this is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "I highly approve" is a valid and direct way to express strong agreement or endorsement. Ludwig confirms its correctness and usability in English. While versatile, it's most common in news and media contexts. To avoid repetition, consider using synonyms like "I strongly endorse" or "I wholeheartedly support", especially in formal writing. Be aware that while the phrase is acceptable, overusing "highly" in very formal contexts can diminish your message.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I strongly endorse

Emphasizes active and public support. Slightly more formal.

I wholeheartedly support

Highlights complete and enthusiastic agreement.

I fully back

Suggests providing complete support and resources.

I am all for it

An informal expression of enthusiastic agreement.

I am in complete agreement

More formal and emphasizes consensus.

I give it my full blessing

Implies granting approval with authority or influence.

I think it's a great idea

A simpler and more casual expression of approval.

I am very supportive of this

Highlights support, but less emphatic than "highly approve".

I find it highly satisfactory

Focuses on the satisfying nature of the matter being approved.

I'm a big fan of this

An informal, enthusiastic expression of liking and approval.

FAQs

What does "I highly approve" mean?

The phrase "I highly approve" means that you strongly agree with or support something. It's a way of expressing enthusiastic endorsement.

Is "I highly approve of" grammatically correct?

While "I highly approve" is perfectly acceptable, you can also use "I highly approve of" followed by the specific thing you are approving. For example, "I highly approve of this decision."

What can I say instead of "I highly approve"?

You can use alternatives like "I strongly endorse", "I wholeheartedly support", or "I fully back" depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use "I highly approve"?

It's appropriate to use "I highly approve" in situations where you want to show strong agreement or support, whether in a formal setting like a meeting or in a more casual conversation. Choose more formal synonyms like "I strongly endorse" when the context requires it.