approves of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "approves of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when expressing agreement or support for a particular idea, action, or person. Example: "The committee approves of the new policy changes that aim to improve workplace efficiency."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

The WWF approves of this.

The New York Times

He approves of torture.

The New Yorker

He approves of Angela Merkel.

The Guardian - Arts

And she approves of me.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

He approves of Europe's new central bank.

The Economist

But not everyone approves of the food.

The New York Times

So he approves of the film?

The Guardian

Mr. Rifkin approves of these plans.

The New York Times

And even Jimmy Wales approves of us.

The Guardian - Tech

He rather approves of the practice.

The Guardian - Opinion

Maybe God actually approves of hot pants.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "approves of" in formal writing, consider stronger synonyms like "endorses" or "sanctions" for added impact.

Common error

Avoid using "approves of" with reflexive pronouns unless the context explicitly calls for it. For example, instead of saying "He approves of himself in this decision", it's more accurate to say "He approves of the decision he made."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "approves of" functions as a verb phrase, specifically a transitive phrasal verb. It expresses agreement or endorsement by a subject towards a specific object. As Ludwig AI shows, it is a common way to indicate support.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

57%

Science

18%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "approves of" is a common and grammatically correct way to express agreement or support. Ludwig AI confirms its usability across various contexts, although stronger synonyms like "endorses" may be preferred in more formal settings. Be mindful of pronoun usage and the specific connotations the phrase carries. Its frequent appearance in news and media demonstrates its widespread relevance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

endorses

Uses a single verb to convey approval, offering a more concise alternative.

supports

Indicates agreement and active advocacy for something.

is in favor of

Emphasizes a positive inclination towards something.

agrees with

Shows alignment in opinion or judgment.

sanctions

Suggests formal or official approval.

ratifies

Implies formal confirmation or validation.

is supportive of

Highlights the act of providing assistance or encouragement.

gives blessing to

Conveys a sense of blessing, support, or authorization.

accepts

Implies agreement or willingness to receive something.

champions

Indicates strong support and active promotion.

FAQs

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

The phrase "approves of" indicates agreement or support. For example, "The board "approves of" the new marketing strategy" or "My father "approves of" my career choice".

What are some alternatives to "approves of"?

You can use alternatives such as "endorses", "supports", "agrees with", or "is in favor of" depending on the context.

Is it grammatically correct to say "approve of" instead of "approves of"?

The correct form depends on the subject. Use "approve of" with plural subjects (e.g., "They approve of the plan"), and "approves of" with singular subjects (e.g., "He approves of the plan").

What is the difference between "approves of" and "condones"?

"Approves of" suggests active agreement or support, while "condones" implies allowing something to happen, often something morally questionable, without actively supporting it. "Approves of" has a more positive connotation.