Used and loved by millions
Since I tried Ludwig back in 2017, I have been constantly using it in both editing and translation. Ever since, I suggest it to my translators at ProSciEditing.

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
be approved by
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
The phrase "be approved by" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when indicating that something requires formal consent or validation from a person or authority. Example: "The final design must be approved by the project manager before we can proceed."
✓ Grammatically correct
News & Media
Formal & Business
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
55 human-written examples
They won't be approved by me.
News & Media
(Dempsey must be approved by the Senate).
News & Media
The designation must be approved by Gov. George E. Pataki.
News & Media
The agreement must be approved by regulators and stockholders.
News & Media
Any changes would have to be approved by Congress.
News & Media
Any new pension methodology must be approved by Congress.
News & Media
The agreement must be approved by member nations.
News & Media
That has to be approved by the full council.
News & Media
Any deal must be approved by the Mozambique government.
News & Media
Pay packages should be approved by a vote of stakeholders.
News & Media
Any alterations would have to be approved by the commission.
News & Media
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
When using "be approved by", ensure that the subject requiring approval is clearly identified and the authority granting the approval is explicitly stated.
Common error
Avoid using "be approved by" without clearly specifying what needs approval. For example, instead of saying "It needs to be approved by", specify "The budget needs to be approved by the committee."
Source & Trust
92%
Authority and reliability
4.6/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The phrase "be approved by" functions as a passive construction indicating that a particular action, plan, or document requires formal consent or authorization from a specified person or entity. Ludwig AI identifies its usage across various domains, confirming its grammatical correctness and widespread applicability.
Frequent in
News & Media
50%
Formal & Business
30%
Science
20%
Less common in
Academia
0%
Encyclopedias
0%
Wiki
0%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
In summary, "be approved by" is a grammatically sound and commonly used phrase that indicates the necessity of obtaining formal consent or authorization. As Ludwig AI confirms, the expression is applicable across various contexts, particularly in news, business, and formal settings. To maximize clarity, make sure you clearly indicate what needs approval and who is granting it. Alternatives include "receive authorization from" or "be sanctioned by". By following these guidelines, you can effectively use the phrase "be approved by" to communicate the need for validation and permission in your writing.
More alternative expressions(10)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
be cleared by
Similar to "obtain clearance", emphasizing the act of being given permission.
receive authorization from
Replaces "be approved" with "receive authorization", emphasizing the act of granting authority.
obtain clearance from
Highlights the process of getting permission to proceed, often in a regulatory context.
be sanctioned by
Emphasizes the official endorsement or permission granted by an authority.
be ratified by
Implies a formal confirmation or validation of something.
get the green light from
Uses an idiomatic expression to convey the idea of receiving permission to proceed.
secure endorsement from
Highlights the act of obtaining support or approval from someone.
gain acceptance from
Focuses on the act of being accepted or agreed upon by someone.
meet with the endorsement of
A more formal way to express receiving approval or support.
pass muster with
Uses an idiom meaning to be good enough to be approved.
FAQs
How can I use "be approved by" in a sentence?
Use "be approved by" to indicate that something requires permission or authorization from a specific entity. For example, "The proposal must "be approved by" the board of directors."
What are some alternatives to "be approved by"?
You can use alternatives such as "receive authorization from", "get the green light from", or "be sanctioned by" depending on the context.
Is it always necessary to specify who needs to approve something?
While not always grammatically required, specifying who needs to approve something provides clarity and avoids ambiguity. For instance, saying "The plan needs approval" is less informative than "The plan needs to "be approved by" the manager."
What's the difference between "be approved by" and "gain approval from"?
"Be approved by" is in the passive voice, focusing on the item being approved, while "gain approval from" is in the active voice, emphasizing the action of obtaining approval. The choice depends on whether you want to highlight the item or the process of gaining approval.
Editing plus AI, all in one place.
Stop switching between tools. Your AI writing partner for everything—polishing proposals, crafting emails, finding the right tone.
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
92%
Authority and reliability
4.6/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested