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Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
approving by
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
The phrase "approving by" is not correct and does not convey a clear meaning in written English.
It may be intended to express the act of giving approval through a specific means or method, but it lacks clarity and proper usage. Example: "The decision was made, but it was still pending approving by the committee."
⚠ May contain grammatical issues
News & Media
Science
Alternative expressions(10)
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified examples from authoritative sources
Exact Expressions
4 human-written examples
The same was true with his job performance, with Manhattan voters approving by almost four to one, and a majority of Staten Island voters disapproving.
News & Media
"How much is the department, in essence, approving by failing to even discover what's happening or by investigating it and then deciding not to prosecute, which has happened in case after case after case that we have looked at?" he said.
News & Media
Despite the uproar among American Jews and the Administration over the latest developments in Jerusalem, the House of Represenatives joined the Senate today in approving, by a vote of 378 to 34, a non-binding resolution asserting that a united Jerusalem is the capital of Israel.
News & Media
Late last November, the town's outgoing city council decided that they needed more prisons, approving by a vote of four to one plans for the construction of two new correctional facilities.
News & Media
Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources
Similar Expressions
56 human-written examples
Fully approved by government".
News & Media
This rule was approved by Pope Honorius III.
Encyclopedias
His reprieve was approved by the world.
News & Media
Both uses are approved by the F.D.A.
News & Media
Have S.T.D. approved by teacher".
News & Media
These are approved by Congress.
News & Media
Approved by the Board of Directors July 10 , 2004
Science & Research
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
Avoid using the phrase "approving by". Instead, use grammatically correct alternatives such as "approved by", "endorsed by", or rephrase the sentence to use an active construction like "the committee approved the plan".
Common error
A common mistake is using "by" after "approving" as if it directly indicates the approver. Remember that "by" typically introduces the means or method, not the agent. Instead, clarify the subject doing the approving using the correct passive form: "approved by".
Source & Trust
89%
Authority and reliability
2.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The phrase "approving by" attempts to function as a prepositional phrase, but it is grammatically incorrect. As Ludwig AI indicates, this phrasing lacks clarity and proper usage. Examples in Ludwig show that while the intent might be to show approval through a method, the construction itself is flawed.
Frequent in
News & Media
50%
Science
50%
Formal & Business
0%
Less common in
Academia
0%
Encyclopedias
0%
Wiki
0%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
The phrase "approving by" is grammatically incorrect and should be avoided. Ludwig AI analysis confirms this, noting the lack of clarity and proper usage. While the intent is typically to indicate authorization or endorsement, better alternatives include "approved by", "endorsed by", or rephrasing to use an active voice. The phrase is rare and appears in News & Media and Science contexts, but its incorrectness detracts from a professional tone. Remember to use precise language to guarantee a solid and polished writing.
More alternative expressions(6)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
endorsing through
Implies support is given through a specific method, similar to how "approving by" might be intended, but with correct grammar.
ratifying via
Suggests formal validation achieved through a particular channel.
sanctioning by means of
Indicates official authorization obtained through certain actions or tools.
validating via
Expresses confirmation through a process or method.
authorizing through
Emphasizes granting permission or power using a specific method.
approving via
Suggests the action of approving is done using a specific process or channel.
agreeing through
Emphasizes reaching an agreement using a certain method.
endorsed by
Passive voice, correctly showing who gave approval.
approved by
Passive voice, correctly showing who gave approval.
acceptance by
Passive voice, correctly showing who gave approval.
FAQs
What is the correct way to express approval by someone or something?
The correct phrasing is "approved by", as in "The project was "approved by" the committee."
Can I use "approving by" in any context?
No, "approving by" is not grammatically correct. Use alternatives like ""approved by"" or rephrase the sentence.
What are some alternatives to "approving by" that indicate endorsement?
Alternatives include "endorsed by", "ratified by", or "sanctioned by", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.
How can I rephrase a sentence to avoid using "approving by"?
Instead of "approving by", try "The committee approved the plan" or "The plan received "approval from" the committee."
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Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
89%
Authority and reliability
2.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested