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Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak

CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com

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approving by

Grammar usage guide and real-world examples

USAGE 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

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

The New York Times

"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

The Guardian

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

The New York Times

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

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

Fully approved by government".

This rule was approved by Pope Honorius III.

His reprieve was approved by the world.

News & Media

The Economist

Both uses are approved by the F.D.A.

News & Media

The New York Times

Have S.T.D. approved by teacher".

News & Media

The New York Times

These are approved by Congress.

News & Media

The New York Times

Approved by the Board of Directors July 10 , 2004

Science & Research

Nature
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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".

Antonio Rotolo, PhD - Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

Antonio Rotolo, PhD

Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

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.

Expression frequency: Rare

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.

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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Source & Trust

89%

Authority and reliability

2.5/5

Expert rating

Real-world application tested

Most frequent sentences: