approved for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "approved for" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to indicate that something has received official permission or endorsement for a specific purpose or use. Example: "The new medication has been approved for use in patients with chronic pain."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

(The paper was later approved for publication).

The New Yorker

Most are not approved for gastric cancer.

The New York Times - Health

Most are not approved for such use.

The New York Times

Not approved for use on humans".

The Guardian - Travel

Not all drugs are approved for splitting.

The New York Times

Mr. Russell was approved for the program.

The New York Times

Most were originally approved for other purposes.

The New York Times

Propulsid was approved for adults in 1993.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

It's now F.D.A.-approved for 10.

The New York Times - Science

Phentermine is FDA-approved for weight loss.

Contemporary Clinical Trials

Get pre-approved for financing.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use approved by instead of "approved for" when the approval comes from a specific entity i.e. "approved by the FDA".

Common error

Avoid using "approved of" instead of "approved for". "Approved of" implies expressing approval or liking something, whereas "approved for" indicates authorization for a specific use or purpose.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "approved for" functions as a passive adjectival phrase indicating that something has received official sanction or permission for a specific purpose. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. Examples from Ludwig show it describing drugs, documents, and even software being deemed suitable for a particular use.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

35%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "approved for" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to indicate that something has been officially authorized or deemed suitable for a specific purpose. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a versatile phrase appearing across various contexts, from news and media to scientific literature. While "approved for" is generally neutral in tone, it is most often found in formal and professional settings, due to its association with authorization and compliance. When using "approved for", ensure the context clearly states what is being approved and for what purpose, avoiding the common error of substituting it with "approved of". Alternatives such as "authorized for" or "cleared for" may provide subtle variations in meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

authorized for

Implies official permission or sanction, similar to "approved for" but often carries a stronger sense of formal authorization.

cleared for

Suggests that something has passed a necessary inspection or review process, making it suitable for a particular use.

sanctioned for

Indicates official approval or permission, often with a connotation of moral or ethical acceptance.

certified for

Implies that something has met specific standards or requirements, making it officially recognized for a particular purpose.

qualified for

Suggests that someone or something meets the necessary criteria or requirements for a specific role or purpose.

designated for

Indicates that something has been officially chosen or assigned for a specific purpose or use.

suitable for

Indicates appropriateness for a particular use or situation, focusing on compatibility and fitness.

eligible for

Suggests that someone or something meets the requirements to receive a benefit or participate in something.

validated for

Implies confirmation or verification of something's accuracy, quality, or effectiveness for a specific purpose.

endorsed for

Suggests that someone or something has received support or approval from a respected authority or organization.

FAQs

How is "approved for" different from "approved by"?

"Approved for" indicates the purpose or use that something has been authorized for (e.g., "This drug is approved for treating cancer"). "Approved by" specifies the entity or authority granting the approval (e.g., "The drug was approved by the FDA").

What are some alternatives to "approved for"?

You can use alternatives like "authorized for", "cleared for", or "sanctioned for" depending on the specific context.

Is it grammatically correct to say "approved to" instead of "approved for"?

While not strictly incorrect, "approved for" is the more standard and widely accepted phrasing when indicating authorization or suitability. "Approved to" might be used in specific contexts related to permissions, but "approved for" is generally preferred.

Can "approved for" be used in both formal and informal contexts?

Yes, "approved for" is appropriate in both formal and informal settings. Its usage depends more on the subject matter and clarity than the level of formality. However, consider more formal synonyms like "authorized for" in highly formal situations.