blanket approval

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "blanket approval" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to refer to a general or unconditional approval that covers multiple items or actions without needing individual assessments. Example: "The manager granted blanket approval for all overtime requests this month to accommodate the increased workload."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

36 human-written examples

The water company, however, has asked for a blanket approval to sell its Class 3 land and any Class 2 land approved for sale by the health department.

The New York Times

Such blanket approval has weakened his vision here, though.

The Times

Companies may have previously asked shareholders for blanket approval to change an options program.

The New York Times

However, this does not mean a blanket approval for nudity in adult-only films".

The Guardian - Film

On social media, free from editorial interference, those same actions receive almost blanket approval.

The Guardian - Opinion

A blanket approval means that the fiscal officer and/or a designee will receive an "FYI" instead of an approval.

Cornell University

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

24 human-written examples

Then it raised the bar for new permits — tightening stream protections and promising a case-by-case analysis of new projects instead of the blanket approvals granted before.

The New York Times

He also suggested the scale of intelligence that needed to be collected made it difficult to see how authorities could go back to granting individual warrants rather than blanket approvals.

The Guardian

To facilitate timely approvals of these documents, Accounting, Sponsored Financial Services, and the Budget Office will be blanket approving these e-docs.

Cornell University

Ms. Wilson, who has scrutinized the program for the last year, said she believed the new approach relied on a blanket, "programmatic" approval of the president's surveillance program, rather than approval of individual warrants.

The New York Times

Faculty have blanket departmental approval to teach seminars within their department.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "blanket approval" when you want to indicate a general or unconditional authorization that covers a wide range of actions or items without needing individual consideration. For example, "The committee granted blanket approval for all research projects meeting the ethical guidelines."

Common error

Be mindful that "blanket approval" doesn't necessarily mean the absence of any oversight. Even with a general authorization, there might still be requirements for reporting, adherence to guidelines or periodic reviews. Ensure these checks and balances are in place to prevent misuse.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "blanket approval" functions primarily as a noun phrase. It typically acts as a subject or object, denoting a comprehensive type of authorization or endorsement. Examples from Ludwig illustrate its role in describing decisions or policies granting widespread permissions.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

20%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "blanket approval" denotes a comprehensive endorsement or authorization, often used to streamline processes. According to Ludwig, it is grammatically correct and commonly used. Its function is primarily as a noun phrase, conveying a general agreement or permission in a neutral register. The phrase is most frequently found in news and media, scientific, and academic contexts. When using "blanket approval", be aware that it implies a wide scope of coverage, but doesn't necessarily mean unchecked authority. Consider alternatives like "general authorization" or "unconditional endorsement" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

across-the-board approval

Highlights that everyone agrees on the approval, everyone supports it

general authorization

Emphasizes the permission aspect, but lacks the sense of comprehensive coverage.

unconditional endorsement

Focuses on support and positive affirmation without limits.

universal assent

Indicates that everybody agrees on something, but is more formal.

full consent

Highlights agreement and permission, but may not imply broad applicability.

comprehensive agreement

Agreement is reached on all aspects

complete sanction

Suggests formal authorization and permission.

wholesale acceptance

Implies broad and unqualified agreement.

carte blanche

A French term denoting complete freedom or authority to act.

total concurrence

Emphasizes agreement but doesn't necessarily imply permission.

FAQs

What does "blanket approval" mean?

A "blanket approval" refers to a general or comprehensive endorsement that covers multiple items or actions without requiring individual assessment. It implies a broad authorization or consent.

How can I use "blanket approval" in a sentence?

You might say, "The board granted "general authorization" for the budget, giving the team "blanket approval" to spend as needed within the allocated amount."

What are some alternatives to "blanket approval"?

You can use alternatives like "general authorization", "unconditional endorsement", or "full consent" depending on the context.

Is "blanket approval" the same as "unconditional approval"?

While similar, "blanket approval" implies a wider scope covering many items or actions, whereas "unconditional approval" simply means there are no limitations or requirements on a specific item or action.