disapprove of

USAGE SUMMARY

"disapprove of" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it when you want to express disapproval about something. For example: I disapprove of how my friend is treating his girlfriend.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

"We disapprove of each other".

The New Yorker

Over half disapprove of his job performance.

The Economist

Does he disapprove of Desmond? "I do disapprove of him.

The Guardian

Some voters disapprove of recalls on principle.

The New Yorker

Social conservatives disapprove of his tabloid smut.

The Economist

Many Israelis disapprove of the settlements.

The New York Times

Did he disapprove of the prince's outfit?

The New York Times - Arts

Not that I disapprove of winning.

The Guardian - Opinion

But, as environmentalists, they disapprove of sprawl.

The New York Times

[Page C11.] Many Disapprove of I.M.F.

The New York Times

Here, 77% would disapprove of such reductions.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "disapprove of", ensure the object of disapproval is clearly stated to avoid ambiguity. For example, specify what behavior or action is being disapproved.

Common error

Avoid omitting the preposition "of" after "disapprove". It is grammatically incorrect to say "I disapprove his actions"; the correct form is "I disapprove of his actions".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "disapprove of" functions as a verb phrase expressing disagreement or moral objection towards someone or something. Ludwig examples show it used to convey personal feelings, societal norms, or formal disapproval.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Science

18%

Wiki

4%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

6%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "disapprove of" is a versatile prepositional phrase used to express disagreement, objection, or moral disapproval. Ludwig highlights its frequent use in news and media, but it also appears in scientific and other sources. The phrase is considered grammatically correct and is best used when the object of disapproval is clearly defined. While alternatives like "object to" or "frown upon" exist, "disapprove of" provides a direct and clear way to express one's negative judgment or sentiment. According to Ludwig's analysis, the phrase is both grammatically sound and widely applicable, making it a valuable tool in expressing disapproval in various contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be against

A straightforward expression of opposition.

object to

Focuses on a formal expression of opposition.

not be in favor of

A polite way of expressing disagreement.

take exception to

Indicates a strong disagreement, often with a sense of offense.

frown upon

Implies a milder form of disapproval, often based on social norms.

look askance at

Suggests suspicion or disapproval, often without direct confrontation.

disfavor

A more formal and less common synonym for disapprove.

deplore

Conveys a strong sense of regret and disapproval.

criticize

Focuses on pointing out faults or errors.

reject

Denotes a firm refusal to accept something.

FAQs

How to use "disapprove of" in a sentence?

You can use "disapprove of" to express disagreement with something. For example, "I "disapprove of" his behavior" or "Many voters "disapprove of" the new law".

What can I say instead of "disapprove of"?

You can use alternatives like "object to", "take exception to", or "frown upon" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "disapprove of" or "disapprove"?

"Disapprove of" is the correct phrase when expressing disagreement or disapproval. "Disapprove" without "of" is grammatically incorrect in most contexts.

What's the difference between "disapprove of" and "criticize"?

"Disapprove of" generally expresses a feeling of disagreement or moral objection, while "criticize" involves pointing out faults or errors.