approved it

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "approved it" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when indicating that something has been officially accepted or sanctioned by someone or a group. Example: "The committee reviewed the proposal and approved it unanimously."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

WHO approved it?

The New York Times

The Assembly has approved it.

The New York Times

The committee approved it anyway.

The New York Times

Has Musharraf approved it?

The New York Times - Magazine

They approved it.

The New York Times

She approved it.

The New York Times

No canton approved it.

The New York Times

The prime minister approved it on Friday.

The New York Times

The government agency that approved it?

The New York Times

I saw it and approved it.

The New York Times

The board, though, approved it, 10-1.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "approved it", ensure the context clearly identifies who granted the approval and the nature of what was approved. For example, "The committee reviewed the proposal and approved it unanimously".

Common error

Avoid ambiguity by specifying what was approved. Instead of saying "They approved it", clarify with "They approved the budget" or "They approved the new policy".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "approved it" functions as a verb phrase, typically following a subject (e.g., "The committee approved it"). According to Ludwig, this phrase is widely accepted. It indicates that an individual or group has officially sanctioned or agreed to something.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

40%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "approved it" is a grammatically sound and very common way to express that something has been officially accepted or sanctioned. According to Ludwig, this phrase is correct and usable in written English. It is most frequently encountered in News & Media and Science contexts, with a neutral register making it suitable for various settings. While versatile, clarity is key: always ensure the subject and object of the approval are clear to avoid ambiguity. Consider alternatives like "endorsed it" or "sanctioned it" for nuanced meanings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

endorsed it

Focuses on publicly supporting or recommending something, adding a layer of advocacy that "approved it" might lack.

sanctioned it

Implies official permission or authorization, often with a sense of formality or authority that "approved it" may not fully capture.

authorized it

Emphasizes the granting of official permission or power for something to proceed, highlighting the legitimacy of the approval process.

validated it

Highlights the confirmation or affirmation of something's correctness or worth, suggesting a more thorough assessment than simple approval.

ratified it

Suggests a formal confirmation or validation of an agreement or treaty, emphasizing the binding nature of the approval.

gave it the green light

An idiomatic expression indicating permission to proceed, offering a more informal and concise alternative to "approved it".

signed off on it

Implies final approval or agreement, often after a review or consideration process.

okayed it

A more casual and direct synonym for "approved it", suitable for informal contexts.

consented to it

Emphasizes agreement or permission, often implying that the approval was given willingly.

acceded to it

Indicates agreement or acceptance, often reluctantly or under pressure, adding a nuance that "approved it" does not convey.

FAQs

What does "approved it" mean?

The phrase "approved it" means that someone or some entity has officially agreed to or sanctioned something. It indicates that a proposal, plan, or action has received the necessary consent or authorization to proceed.

How can I use "approved it" in a sentence?

You can use "approved it" in a sentence to show that a decision has been made in favor of something. For example: "The board reviewed the proposal and "endorsed it"", or "The city council "sanctioned it" after a lengthy debate".

What are some alternatives to the phrase "approved it"?

Some alternatives to "approved it" include "authorized it", "sanctioned it", "endorsed it", "validated it", or "gave it the green light". The best alternative depends on the specific context and the level of formality required.

Is "approved of it" grammatically correct compared to "approved it"?

"Approved of it" is grammatically correct, but it has a slightly different meaning. "Approved of it" suggests a general positive sentiment, while "approved it" indicates a formal decision or authorization. Therefore, the choice depends on the intended meaning.