approve of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "approve of" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to express a positive opinion or support for something or someone. Example: "I fully approve of the new policy changes that have been proposed by the management."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"I approve of that.

The New Yorker

Some approve of the crackdown.

The Economist

AndHollywood might approve of that.

Independent

What does Michel approve of?

The New Yorker

Do they approve of terrorism?

The Economist

They don't approve of tofu.

The Guardian - Music

I actually approve of that.

The New York Times - Magazine

Only 14% approve of Congress.

The Economist

I approve of their ideas".

The New Yorker

Others approve of an auction.

The New York Times

And I approve of that.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "approve of" when you want to express your positive opinion or support for something or someone. Ensure that the object of your approval is clearly stated to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using alternative prepositions with "approve". The correct form is always "approve of". For example, it is incorrect to say "approve with" or "approve by" instead of "approve of".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "approve of" functions as a verb phrase, specifically a prepositional verb, where "approve" is the verb and "of" is the preposition. This construction requires the preposition "of" to connect the verb to its object. As indicated by Ludwig AI, this is a grammatically correct and usable expression.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

15%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "approve of" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to convey agreement, support, or positive judgment. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is widely accepted in written English and used in various contexts, primarily in news and media, but also in scientific and general discussions. Remember to always use "of" after "approve" and consider using alternatives like "endorse" or "support" depending on the specific context. Ludwig's extensive examples highlight its versatility and frequent use in authoritative sources.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

support

Indicates providing assistance or approval.

be in favor of

Indicates a preference or positive inclination.

endorse

A more formal term that suggests public support or recommendation.

agree with

Suggests alignment of opinion or sentiment.

think highly of

Implies a strong positive opinion or admiration.

countenance

A more formal term meaning to give approval or support to something.

sanction

Suggests formal approval or authorization.

ratify

Signifies formal confirmation or validation.

accede to

Implies agreement or compliance, often reluctantly.

smile on

Suggests a favorable or approving attitude.

FAQs

What does "approve of" mean?

To "approve of" something means to have a positive opinion about it, to agree with it, or to give it your support. It indicates a sense of satisfaction or endorsement.

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

You can use "approve of" to express your support or agreement. For example, "I "approve of" your decision to pursue higher education" or "Do you "approve of" the new company policy?"

What are some alternatives to "approve of"?

Some alternatives to "approve of" include "support", "endorse", "agree with", or "think highly of". The best choice depends on the specific context and the level of formality required.

Is it correct to say "approve with" instead of "approve of"?

No, it is not correct. The correct preposition to use with "approve" is "of". "Approve with" is grammatically incorrect. Always use ""approve of"" to express agreement or support.