asked for approval

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "asked for approval" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to a request made to obtain consent or permission from someone. Example: "She asked for approval before proceeding with the project to ensure everyone was on board."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

13 human-written examples

Q When I asked for approval to renovate my condominium, the building manager said the board would not approve plans that included replacing the bathtub.

The New York Times

"We were not asked for approval of the financial package – formally or informally – nor did we give it.

The Guardian

SIFMA, a securities-industry trade group, has asked for approval of Portal to be withheld until several "vague and incomplete" elements are clarified.

The Economist

The organizers of that race, NYCRUNS, opened a waiting list and asked for approval from the Prospect Park Alliance to expand its permit from 500 to between 1,000 and 2,500 runners.

The New York Times

That agency, which provides information to defense lawyers in capital cases, said that Mr. Ashcroft had approved capital prosecutions against 100 people, including 39 cases in which federal prosecutors had not asked for approval to seek the death penalty.

The New York Times

"Letters, by contrast, with their actual and immediate audience, offer presidents a kind of flesh to be pressed, recipients who can be wheedled, ordered about, asked for approval, burdened with confidences".

The New York Times - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

44 human-written examples

No one is asking for approval of homosexuality.

The New York Times

"The American woman is always asking for approval," she explains.

The New York Times

He was like a dog in this way, showing up at the door with a half-chewed rat in its mouth, asking for approval.

The New Yorker

After a few relationship-testing episodes, some spouses have started insisting that their partners ask for approval before posting comments and photographs that include them.

The New York Times

The lesson was that if you know you're right, go ahead and take the risk if there's no time to ask for approval.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "asked for approval", ensure you clearly state who the request was directed to and what the subject of the request was. This provides clarity and avoids ambiguity in your writing.

Common error

A common mistake is failing to specify what the approval is for. Instead of saying "He asked for approval", be specific: "He asked for approval to renovate the office".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "asked for approval" functions as a verb phrase. It describes the action of seeking permission or consent from an authority or relevant party. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

57%

Science

34%

Formal & Business

9%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "asked for approval" is grammatically sound and commonly used to describe the act of seeking permission or consent. Ludwig AI confirms it's accurate and useful in different writing scenarios. It is most frequently found in news and media, science, and formal business contexts. When using this phrase, clarity is key: specify who is asking, who they are asking, and what the approval pertains to. While acceptable across various registers, it maintains a neutral tone. Alternatives such as "requested authorization" or "sought permission" offer nuanced options depending on the desired level of formality and specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

requested authorization

Emphasizes the formal process of seeking official permission or sanction.

sought permission

Implies a more proactive and deliberate effort to obtain consent.

applied for consent

Highlights the act of submitting a formal application to get approval.

obtained clearance

Focuses on the result of being cleared or authorized after seeking approval.

petitioned for acceptance

Indicates a more humble or persuasive request for approval.

inquired about endorsement

Suggests a formal query regarding support or validation.

looked for concurrence

Focuses on seeking agreement or alignment from others.

canvassed for agreement

Implies an active effort to gather support and consent.

solicited validation

Highlights the desire to get confirmation and proof of correctness.

pursued ratification

Emphasizes the act of officially confirming or endorsing something.

FAQs

What does "asked for approval" mean?

The phrase "asked for approval" means to request permission or consent from someone, typically a superior or authority, to proceed with a plan, action, or decision.

How can I use "asked for approval" in a sentence?

You can use "asked for approval" like this: "She "asked for approval" before implementing the new marketing strategy."

What are some alternatives to "asked for approval"?

Some alternatives to "asked for approval" include "requested permission", "sought consent", or "applied for authorization". The best alternative depends on the specific context.

Is it better to say "asked for approval" or "requested approval"?

"Asked for approval" and "requested approval" are very similar. "Requested approval" might sound slightly more formal, but both are generally acceptable and interchangeable.