approve in principle

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "approve in principle" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to indicate that something has been accepted in broad terms, but some details still need to be worked out or finalized. For example, "The board approved the new policy in principle, but they need to discuss the details of implementation at their next meeting."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

Today's motion may be "a confection of waffle and compromise", says the Mail, "but at its heart [it] remains an invitation to MPs to approve in principle a British missile attack on Assad".

The Guardian

Speaking to Reuters in Pretoria after meeting South African President Thabo Mbeki, Lamy said trade ministers will only be called to a meeting to approve in principle a final draft strike a "modalities" agreement in tradespeak if the moment is right.

Forbes

Who could fail to approve in principle of the programmes that have been outlined: on the issue of fundamental rights, for example, or freedom of movement, on strengthening the common foreign and security policy and doing more to combat crime?

EU Parlament

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

The plan was approved in principle late Wednesday.

The New York Times

Allow that bit of extra time, even once the mortgage has been approved in principle".

The Guardian - Money

That project has been approved in principle but work has not begun.

The New York Times

The British have approved, in principle, the creation of "cybrid embryos," produced when scientists grow human embryos in animal eggs.

The New York Times

Designed by Richard Rogers's architectural firm, Rogers Sirk Harbour and Partners, it was approved in principle by Westminster city council last summer.

The Guardian

But Brad Maione, a spokesman for the attorney general, said the sale had already been approved in principle.

The New York Times

The outcome of the report was crucial: if the government's conservation quango had ruled against it, the lottery grant already approved in principle would have been worthless.

The Guardian

Walsh reiterated his warnings over Heathrow, whose third runway may be approved in principle later this year by the government as it responds to the Airports Commission's recommendation.

The Guardian - Business

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "approve in principle" when you want to show initial support for an idea, plan, or proposal, while acknowledging that further details need to be addressed or finalized.

Common error

Avoid using "approve in principle" if the intention is to fully endorse something without any reservations. The phrase indicates partial or conditional agreement, not complete acceptance.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "approve in principle" functions as a verb phrase, indicating a preliminary agreement or conditional acceptance. It suggests that an idea, plan, or proposal has been generally accepted but requires further consideration or specific conditions to be met. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Formal & Business

30%

Science

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "approve in principle" is a useful phrase for conveying conditional agreement. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and commonly used. It signifies that an idea is generally accepted but requires further refinement or specific conditions to be met. It’s often found in news, formal business contexts, and scientific discussions. Remembering to clarify the conditions attached to such approval will ensure clear communication. As evidenced by examples found in Ludwig, the phrase appears in varied contexts such as governmental decisions, business deals and scientific proposals.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

okay in principle

A more informal way to express general agreement without committing to specific details.

accept in theory

This alternative suggests agreement with the concept but not necessarily with the practical application.

give qualified approval

This indicates approval that is not absolute, but rather subject to certain qualifications.

generally agree to

This implies a broad agreement, but with the understanding that specifics may need further discussion.

endorse with reservations

This phrase implies support but with some specific concerns or limitations noted.

support conditionally

This suggests backing something, but only if certain conditions are met.

conceptually agree

Agreement on the concept only, details pending.

give provisional consent

This suggests a temporary or preliminary agreement, pending further review or confirmation.

preliminarily agree

Agreement is not final and may be changed later.

sign off on tentatively

This indicates an agreement that is not yet final and could be subject to change.

FAQs

How can I use "approve in principle" in a sentence?

You can use "approve in principle" to indicate that something has been accepted in broad terms, but some details still need to be worked out or finalized. For example, "The committee "approved in principle" the new budget, but they need to discuss the specific allocations at the next meeting."

What does it mean to "approve in principle"?

To "approve in principle" means to give preliminary or conditional approval to something. It suggests a general agreement or acceptance, but with the understanding that further details, conditions, or specific requirements need to be addressed before full approval is granted.

What can I say instead of "approve in principle"?

You can use alternatives like "accept in theory", "give qualified approval", or "support conditionally" depending on the context.

Is "approve in principle" the same as fully approving something?

No, "approve in principle" is not the same as fully approving something. It indicates a preliminary agreement or acceptance, while full approval implies that all details and conditions have been satisfied and the decision is final.