approved that

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "approved that" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is commonly used in formal or legal contexts, such as when documenting a decision or action taken by a group or individual. Example: The board of directors unanimously approved that the company's new marketing strategy be implemented immediately.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

53 human-written examples

"She never approved that image.

The New Yorker

The whole board of News Corp. approved that deal".

The New York Times

If it is approved, that could be challenged too.

The New York Times

If the merger is not approved, that will be a big problem for you.

The New York Times

Jacob Chol Dau, 19, said he was approved that same month.

The New York Times

"If he hadn't approved that company our family wouldn't be shattered," Mr. Du said.

The New York Times

No mines should be approved that can result in perpetual water pollution.

The New York Times

SIPC filed a petition in district court, and Judge Englemeyer approved that petition.

The New York Times

Shall the amendment be approved?" That makes it sounds fabulous, of course.

The New York Times

Firestone approved that range when the large, heavy vehicle first went on the market a decade ago.

The New York Times

And in Montana, a measure was approved that removes provider restrictions on the drug for medicinal use.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "approved that", ensure the context clearly indicates who did the approving and what was being approved. This avoids ambiguity and strengthens the sentence's clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "approved that" when the context implies mere acknowledgement or awareness. "Approved that" signifies a deliberate decision to endorse or authorize something, not just an awareness of its existence.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "approved that" functions as a verb phrase followed by a demonstrative pronoun, indicating a completed action of endorsing or giving consent to something specific. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is commonly used in formal contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Encyclopedias

4%

Academia

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "approved that" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression to indicate formal endorsement or authorization. As Ludwig AI states, it is frequently seen in professional and news contexts. When using "approved that", clarity about who did the approving and what was approved is crucial. While similar phrases like "authorized it" or "ratified the decision" can be used, they carry slightly different nuances. By understanding these subtle differences, writers can ensure their language is precise and impactful.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

authorized it

Focuses specifically on the act of giving official permission.

sanctioned that action

Implies a formal endorsement or ratification of a specific deed.

ratified the decision

Suggests a formal confirmation or validation of a previously made ruling.

endorsed the proposal

Highlights support for a suggestion or plan, making it official.

confirmed its validity

Emphasizes verifying the truth or accuracy of something.

validated the claim

Indicates that a statement or assertion has been proven true.

signed off on it

An informal way of saying gave approval or authorization.

gave the green light

An idiomatic expression for granting permission for something to proceed.

consented to it

Implies agreement or permission, often in a more personal or interpersonal context.

gave assent to that

Formal way of expressing agreement or approval.

FAQs

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

The phrase "approved that" indicates formal agreement or endorsement. For instance, "The committee "approved that" measure after careful consideration" shows a formal acceptance of a specific proposal.

What's a more formal alternative to "approved that"?

For a more formal tone, consider using "authorized that". For example, instead of "The manager approved that request", you could say "The manager "authorized that" request".

Is it always necessary to specify who "approved that"?

Specifying who approved something adds clarity and credibility. If the approver is ambiguous, consider clarifying with a phrase like, "The board "approved that" unanimously", rather than simply stating, "It was approved".

What's the difference between "accepted that" and "approved that"?

"Accepted that" implies acknowledgment or resignation to a fact, while "approved that" signifies endorsement or permission. You might "accept that" a project is delayed, but you "approve that" a new budget.