accredit

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "accredit" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to mean to recognize something as having a certain value or level of authority. For example: The school was accredited by the state board of education.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Housing Deliver 55,000 new affordable homes by 2015 for low and middle income workers; launch the London Rental Standard to create a single accreditation badge for the capital and accredit 100,000 landlords by 2016; campaign against rent controls.

The Guardian

Although they recognised they have a "duty of care" to existing students on programmes, it is clearly a less than satisfactory denouement for students who will probably be left wondering who will accredit their degrees, and if they are accredited what value they will have anyway.

The Guardian

To stop the proles from sullying the image of the bar ahem, to provide sufficient instruction in the intricacies of the law the snootier institutions convinced the American Bar Association ABAA) to accredit only schools that required a costly three years' worth of courses for a degree.

The Economist

But it plans to set up a national agency, in partnership with the states and municipalities, to accredit training schemes.

The Economist

The plethora of agencies that finance, accredit, inspect and audit subsidised apprenticeships underwent various changes, leaving employers ever more confused.

The Economist

Elite universities set up legal departments for posh students; night schools catered to the sons of immigrants.To stop the proles from sullying the image of the bar ahem, to provide sufficient instruction in the intricacies of the law the snootier institutions convinced the American Bar Association ABAA) to accredit only schools that required a costly three years' worth of courses for a degree.

The Economist

Amba has insisted that it will only accredit MBAs that include  the core material of economics,  accountancy, HR and finance  alongside the specialised content.

Independent

Getting the University to accredit has always been our most salient aim, and I'm proud of the work that the campaign has done toward achieving this".

Independent

What the FA can influence is the quality and approach of the coaches who they accredit and train.

Independent

Assistant Commissioner Simon Byrne said: "Some of the people in squads, if you're using how we train and accredit, aren't actually detectives, they're just constables who wear jeans and a t-shirt.

Independent

Members of the Commonwealth accredit high commissioners to each other.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "accredit", clearly specify who or what is granting the accreditation and what standards are being met. This adds clarity and strengthens the statement's credibility.

Common error

Avoid assuming accreditation automatically implies overall excellence. Accreditation typically focuses on specific standards and may not encompass all aspects of an institution or program.

Linguistic Context

The verb "accredit" primarily functions to designate official approval or recognition of an institution, program, or individual that meets specific standards. Ludwig examples show its use in contexts like accrediting universities, training programs, and organizations.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Formal & Business

25%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Science

8%

Academia

7%

Wiki

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The verb "accredit" is used to grant official recognition or authorization, signifying that an institution, program, or individual meets specific standards. As Ludwig AI confirms, its usage is grammatically correct and very common, particularly in news and formal business contexts. When using "accredit", ensure clarity by specifying the accrediting body and the standards being met. Avoid assuming accreditation implies overall excellence, as it typically focuses on specific criteria. Alternatives include "certify", "validate", and "approve", each with slightly different nuances. This word is frequently found in authoritative sources like The Guardian, The New York Times, and The Economist.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

certify

Emphasizes the formal verification or validation of something, often through official documentation.

validate

Focuses on confirming the accuracy or legitimacy of something, often through evidence or proof.

endorse

Suggests public approval or support for something, often by a respected figure or organization.

approve

Implies formal consent or agreement to something, often by an authority figure.

recognize

Highlights the acknowledgment or acceptance of something's value or importance.

authorize

Focuses on granting official permission or power to do something.

license

Suggests granting a formal permit to engage in a particular activity or profession.

commission

Implies the act of formally entrusting someone with a task or responsibility.

ratify

Focuses on the formal confirmation or validation of a treaty, agreement, or law.

sanction

Implies giving official approval or authorization, often with legal or authoritative backing.

FAQs

How is "accredit" used in a sentence?

You can use "accredit" to describe the act of officially recognizing or authorizing something, such as "The university is accredited by a national board" or "The program is accredited to ensure quality standards are met".

What's the difference between "certify" and "accredit"?

"Certify" often refers to confirming specific qualifications or standards for an individual or product, while "accredit" usually applies to institutions or programs meeting broader, more comprehensive criteria.

Can I use "validate" instead of "accredit"?

While "validate" can sometimes be used similarly to "accredit", it generally refers to confirming the truth or accuracy of something, whereas "accredit" implies official recognition and approval.

What are some synonyms for "accredit"?

Synonyms for "accredit" include "certify", "authorize", "recognize", and "approve", each carrying slightly different nuances of formal acknowledgement and endorsement.