assent to

USAGE SUMMARY

"assent to" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It can be used to mean "to accept, agree, or consent to something". For example: Upon being asked, the mayor assented to the new road laws.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The congregation was asked to assent to Bishop Lane's consecration.

The Guardian

"You are giving your assent to the killing of civilians".

The New Yorker

One is the requirement for congressional assent to a state of war.

The Guardian

"He has refused his assent to laws, the most wholesome and necessary for the public good".

The New York Times

Any peacekeeping presence will require Russian and Georgian assent to be effective.

The New York Times

Last week, even President Bush indicated his assent to looking at the system.

The New York Times

These defects reflect the conditional nature of Washington's assent to the exercise so far.

The New York Times

It is unclear whether Mr. Walcott would now assent to changes.

The New York Times

Now, after royal assent to the legislation in July, it will not be.

The Guardian - Business

Israel maintained that he gave the final assent to terrorist operations.

The New Yorker

Because Europe is watching, Mr. Bush, for now, needs Russia's assent to modify the ABM treaty.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "assent to" when you want to convey a formal or official agreement or acceptance of something. It's often used in legal, ethical, or academic contexts.

Common error

Avoid mistaking "assent to" (agreement) with "ascent to" (going up). The words are spelled differently and have distinct meanings. Ensure the correct spelling is used to avoid confusion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "assent to" functions as a verb phrase indicating agreement or consent. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a correct and usable phrase expressing acceptance. Examples show it used when formal approval or compliance is required.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Science

30%

Encyclopedias

15%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

10%

Reference

10%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "assent to" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase that signifies agreement or consent, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. Predominantly found in formal contexts such as news, science, and encyclopedias, it conveys official acceptance. Remember to differentiate it from "ascent to". Consider alternatives like ""agree to"" or ""consent to"" depending on the context. The phrase's formality and consistent usage across authoritative sources make it a reliable choice in appropriate settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

agree to

This alternative is more general and implies a mutual understanding or consensus.

consent to

This alternative emphasizes permission or voluntary agreement.

accede to

This alternative suggests reluctantly agreeing or yielding to pressure.

concur with

This alternative indicates agreement in opinion or judgment.

subscribe to

This alternative conveys a strong belief or endorsement of an idea or principle.

give approval to

This alternative emphasizes the act of granting permission or endorsement.

give credence to

This alternative indicates acceptance of something as true or valid.

ratify

This alternative means to formally approve or confirm, often in a legal or official context.

sanction

This alternative implies giving official permission or approval, often with authority.

acquiesce in

This alternative means to accept something passively or without protest.

FAQs

How is "assent to" used in a sentence?

The phrase "assent to" is used to express agreement or consent. For example: "The board had to "agree to" the terms of the contract."

What is a synonym for "assent to"?

Synonyms for "assent to" include "consent to", "agree to", and "accede to". The best choice depends on the specific context.

When is it appropriate to use "assent to"?

Use "assent to" in formal situations where you want to express agreement or compliance, especially in legal, ethical, or academic contexts.

What's the difference between "assent to" and "consent to"?

"Assent to" often implies a more formal or official agreement, while "consent to" can refer to a more general agreement or permission. In certain contexts, such as medical research involving minors, "assent" refers to a child's agreement, while "consent" refers to a parent's permission.