approved in principle

USAGE SUMMARY

"approved in principle" is a valid expression in written English and can be used when referring to an agreement in general terms, without specifying the details.
For example: "The council have approved the plan in principle, but has asked for further details."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 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

RAEDER: The plan as submitted was approved in principle by the Reichstag.

Yale University

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

The New York Times

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

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

Outline plans for a major new supermarket in Armley have been approved in principle by city councillors this afternoon.

The Guardian

Without any definitive decision on choice of a company, the board approved in principle a strategic plan for Time's expansion.

Harvard University

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

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

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

It says the options were "carefully considered" and that it has approved, in-principle, its closure at the end of the academic year.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "approved in principle", be sure to clarify any outstanding conditions or requirements that must be met for full approval.

Common error

Avoid treating something "approved in principle" as if it's fully approved. Always confirm the subsequent steps and conditions necessary for complete authorization.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "approved in principle" functions as a compound adjective modifying a noun. It signifies a preliminary agreement or endorsement, indicating that an idea or plan has been accepted in its general form but is still subject to further conditions or modifications. Ludwig examples illustrate its use across varied contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

58%

Academia

21%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Science

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "approved in principle" is a common expression used to indicate that an idea or plan has received preliminary endorsement, as verified by Ludwig AI. This phrase, which is grammatically correct and frequently found in News & Media, Academia, and Encyclopedias, signifies that while the core concept is accepted, further details or conditions must be addressed before final approval can be granted. Writing guidance emphasizes the importance of clarifying outstanding conditions, while cautioning against assuming complete authorization. Related phrases, like "conditionally approved" or "provisionally approved", offer nuanced alternatives. Understanding the meaning and implications of "approved in principle" is crucial for effective communication in various professional and academic contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

conditionally approved

Emphasizes that the approval is subject to certain conditions being met.

provisionally approved

Highlights the temporary nature of the approval, pending further review or action.

conceptually approved

Focuses on the agreement regarding the underlying idea or concept, rather than the specific details.

accepted in theory

Suggests that the idea is acceptable in an abstract sense, but practical implementation may be challenging.

preliminary agreement reached

Indicates that an initial consensus has been achieved, but further negotiations are needed.

generally agreed upon

Implies a broad consensus on the main points, though minor disagreements may still exist.

agreed in substance

Suggests that the core issues have been resolved, even if some details remain to be worked out.

initial endorsement given

Focuses on the act of formally supporting or backing the proposal at an early stage.

supported in principle

Indicates general support for the idea, but not necessarily a commitment to specific actions or outcomes.

approved with reservations

Highlights that the approval is not unconditional and that concerns or doubts remain.

FAQs

How is "approved in principle" typically used in a sentence?

The phrase "approved in principle" is used to indicate that an idea or plan has received preliminary approval, but may still require further modifications or fulfill specific conditions. For example, "The council has "approved in principle" the new housing development, pending environmental impact studies."

What's the difference between "approved in principle" and "fully approved"?

"Approved in principle" signifies an initial agreement or endorsement, while "fully approved" means that all requirements have been met, and the plan can proceed without further major obstacles. "Approved in principle" often precedes full approval.

Are there synonyms for "approved in principle" that I can use?

Yes, you can use alternatives such as "conditionally approved", "provisionally approved", or "conceptually approved" depending on the specific context. Each term carries a slightly different nuance, so choose the one that best fits the situation.

What does it mean when something is "approved in principle"?

It means there's a general agreement or acceptance of an idea or plan, but the details still need to be worked out, or certain conditions need to be satisfied. It's not a final guarantee, but a positive step forward.