did you authorize

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "did you authorize" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when inquiring whether someone has given permission or approval for a specific action or decision. Example: "Before proceeding with the transaction, I need to ask, did you authorize this payment?"

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Jonathan Karl: Did you authorize the tactics that were used against Khalid Sheikh Mohammed?

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

If you support mandatory charity, what do you authorize government to do to those who peacefully refuse to cooperate?

Huffington Post

Do you have any authorized repair/service locations outside India/China?

TechCrunch

Thanks to a federal consumer protection law, if your credit card is lost or stolen and somebody uses it to make purchases you did not authorize, then you are only liable for financial losses of a maximum of $50.

Huffington Post

"If you have a charge on your phone bill you didn't authorize, the company should be willing to credit you, and many times it is legally required to do so," he said.

The New York Times

What they generally need is proof that you're the author and copyright owner and that you did not authorize the file.

WikiHow

You can't get out of paying it by saying you didn't authorize that".

The New York Times

He still have no trust with Israel.... ..... Baskin: "Did he authorize you to negotiate?" Hamad: "Hamas is afraid that can be used against them, direct contact with Israel.... ..... Baskin: "Netanyahu has the same problem with direct contact with Hamas".

The New York Times - Magazine

Check your financial statements - ideally online, every day - for any fraudulent charges, and dispute anything you didn't authorize.

Huffington Post

But it's still important to check your credit reports regularly for signs of fraud -- like new accounts you didn't authorize.

Huffington Post

Bakke says that e-checks can be reversed in only three cases: if you didn't authorize the purchase, if the e-check was processed on a date earlier than authorized or if the amount of the processed transaction is different from what was authorized.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "did you authorize", ensure the context clearly indicates what action or decision is being referred to. Specificity prevents ambiguity and ensures effective communication.

Common error

Avoid assuming that authorization implies full responsibility. Clarify the extent of authority granted to prevent misunderstandings about liability or oversight.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "did you authorize" functions as an interrogative clause, specifically used to inquire whether someone granted permission or approval for a particular action. It seeks to confirm if the person in question held the authority and exercised it to allow something to happen, as supported by Ludwig AI.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "did you authorize" is a grammatically correct interrogative phrase used to inquire whether someone gave permission or approval for a specific action. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English. Predominantly found in news and media contexts, it serves to establish accountability and confirm the legitimacy of actions. Alternative phrases include "did you give permission" or "did you approve", varying slightly in formality and emphasis. When using this phrase, ensure clarity about the action being authorized to avoid ambiguity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

did you give permission

Focuses on the act of giving permission rather than the formal act of authorizing.

did you approve

Highlights the approval aspect, suitable when a decision needs a go-ahead.

were you the one who authorized

Places emphasis on the individual responsible for the authorization.

did you sanction

A more formal alternative, implying official endorsement or approval.

did you sign off on

Emphasizes the final step of formally approving something, often in a business context.

did you give the go-ahead

An informal option that refers to granting permission to start something.

did you greenlight

A colloquial term implying authorization, often in the context of projects or initiatives.

did you empower

Focuses on giving someone the power or right to act.

did you license

Refers to granting a formal license or permit.

were you in agreement with

Shifts the focus to agreement or consent, rather than direct authorization.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "did you authorize" for a more formal tone?

For a more formal tone, you could use phrases like "Did you grant permission for...?", "Did you sanction...?", or "Were you the authorizing party for...?".

What's a less formal way to ask "did you authorize"?

Informally, you could ask "Did you give the go-ahead?", "Did you approve this?", or "Were you the one who signed off on this?".

When is it appropriate to use "did you authorize" instead of "did you approve"?

"Did you authorize" is suitable when inquiring about formal permission or legal authorization, while "did you approve" is better for general agreement or endorsement. For example, "Did you authorize the payment" implies a formal financial transaction, while "Did you approve the design" suggests a creative or planning process.

What's the difference between asking "Did you authorize" and "Were you aware of" something?

"Did you authorize" specifically asks if you granted permission, while "Were you aware of" simply asks if you knew about it, regardless of whether you approved or permitted it. Authorization implies active permission, while awareness only indicates knowledge.