approve a request

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "approve a request" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you are indicating that someone has given their consent or agreement to a specific request made by another person. Example: "After reviewing the proposal, the manager decided to approve the request for additional funding."

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

30 human-written examples

It can take two weeks to review documentation, approve a request, and coordinate the accommodations.

Harvard University

The Obama administration is waiting for Congress to approve a request for $41m to reduce the backlog.

The Guardian

United is trying to persuade the Air Transportation Stabilization Board to approve a request for $1.8 billion in federal loan guarantees.

The New York Times

The federal government has yet to approve a request for Jay Weatherill, South Australia's premier, to attend talks with other regional and state leaders.

The Guardian

In 2009 the Supreme Court of South Korea recognized a "right to die with dignity" in its decision to approve a request by the family of a brain-dead woman that she be removed from life-support systems.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Congress is this week widely expected to approve a request from Obama for authorisation to arm and train moderate Syrian rebels, one of numerous controversial aspects of the latest program.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

30 human-written examples

Judge Susan Criss of State District Court approved a request by Dick DeGuerin, a lawyer representing the heir, Robert A. Durst.

The New York Times

On Sunday, a Japanese court approved a request by prosecutors to extend the captain's pretrial detention for 10 days.

The New York Times

Last November a US District Court judge approved a request from the FBI to track down users of the website.

Independent

The administration also approved a request by Egypt to add frozen beans and frozen mixed vegetables to the eligibility list.

The New York Times

The commission recently approved a request from Louisiana to require additional information from its voters, Justice Scalia noted.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "approve a request", ensure the context clearly indicates who is granting the approval and what specific request is being considered. This enhances clarity and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid vague references. Instead of saying 'The request was approved', specify 'The manager approved the request for additional resources' to provide clarity and context.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "approve a request" functions as a verb phrase indicating the act of granting permission or agreement to a formal or informal appeal. Ludwig AI provides numerous examples where different entities, ranging from courts to companies, engage in approving requests.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Academia

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "approve a request" is a common and grammatically correct verb phrase used to describe the act of granting permission or agreement to a request. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is widely used across various contexts, including academia, news, and formal business settings. While the phrase itself is straightforward, clarity is key: always ensure the context specifies who is approving and what is being approved. For more formal settings, consider alternatives like "grant an application" or "authorize a petition". Overall, understanding the nuances of "approve a request" can enhance your writing and communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

grant an application

Focuses on the formal granting of an application, which is a type of request.

authorize a petition

Emphasizes the authorization of a formal petition, a specific kind of request.

endorse a proposal

Implies support and approval of a formal proposal, similar to a request.

sanction a claim

Suggests a formal sanction or approval of a claim, a type of request.

allow an appeal

Concerns the specific allowance of an appeal, which is a kind of request for review.

okay a submission

Indicates informal approval or acceptance of a submission, which can be a request.

pass a motion

Relates to the approval of a motion in a formal setting, akin to approving a request.

agree to a demand

Implies compliance with a demand, which can be considered a forceful request.

accede to a plea

Suggests yielding to a plea, a more emotional or urgent form of request.

sign off on a requisition

Refers to the formal signing off or approval of a requisition, a type of formal request.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "approve a request" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, consider using phrases like "grant an application", "authorize a petition", or "endorse a proposal", depending on the specific context.

Is there a difference between "approve a request" and "authorize a request"?

While both phrases indicate granting permission, "approve a request" is more general. "Authorize a request" often implies giving official or legal permission.

What is the best way to use "approve a request" in a sentence?

Ensure the sentence clearly identifies who is doing the approving and what request is being approved. For example, "The committee voted to approve a request for funding" is more effective than "The request was approved."

What are some less formal alternatives to "approve a request"?

Less formal alternatives include phrases like "okay a submission", or "agree to a demand", which are suitable for casual communication.