approved of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "approved of" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to express that someone has given their consent or support for something. Example: "The committee approved of the new policy changes after a thorough discussion."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

And you approved of their approval.

Huffington Post

We approved of Deah".

The New Yorker

(His pack approved of neither).

The New York Times

He approved of the Pokey Little Puppy.

The New Yorker

Malone approved of deal, Roberts brothers objected.

The New Yorker

Presumably, Chehebar approved of the mission.

The New Yorker

But our mothers approved of our clothes".

The New York Times

She approved of "Parks and Recreation".

The New York Times - Arts

Mr. Groffman approved of the location.

The New York Times

The organization approved of the election.

The New York Times

Balls said he approved of the OBR.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the level of formality needed. While "approved of" is versatile, synonyms like "endorsed" or "sanctioned" may be more appropriate for formal contexts.

Common error

Avoid using incorrect prepositions with "approved". For example, it's "approved of", not "approved by" when expressing general agreement or support.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "approved of" functions as a verb phrase expressing agreement, endorsement, or support. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage across various contexts. It indicates that someone or something has given their consent or positive regard to a particular action, idea, or proposal.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Science

22%

Wiki

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Social Media

2%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "approved of" is a versatile and widely used phrase that indicates agreement, support, or endorsement. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct and appears frequently in various contexts, particularly in news and media, and science. While it generally carries a neutral tone, it can be replaced with more formal synonyms like "endorsed" or "sanctioned" depending on the situation. Remember to use the correct preposition ("of") and ensure the subject is clear. By following these guidelines, you can effectively use "approved of" in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

supported

Suggests giving assistance or approval to something.

agreed with

Indicates alignment of opinion or sentiment.

endorsed

Implies formal support or recommendation.

accepted

Indicates willingness to receive or approve something.

favored

Indicates a preference for something.

consented to

Implies giving permission for something to happen.

sanctioned

Suggests official permission or approval.

validated

Confirms or supports the accuracy or value of something.

ratified

Implies formal confirmation or validation.

countenanced

To admit as acceptable or possible.

FAQs

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

The phrase "approved of" indicates agreement or support for something. For example, "The committee "approved of" the new policy" shows the committee supported the policy.

What's a more formal way to say "approved of"?

In more formal contexts, consider using alternatives such as "endorsed" or "sanctioned". These words often imply a higher degree of official approval.

Is it correct to say "approved by" instead of "approved of"?

While "approved by" is grammatically correct, it has a different meaning. "Approved of" expresses general agreement, while "approved by" indicates formal permission or authorization from a specific entity.

What is the difference between "approved of" and "agreed with"?

"Approved of" implies a sense of endorsement or validation, while "agreed with" simply means having the same opinion. You might "agree with" someone's idea without necessarily "approving of" their actions.