disapprove them

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "disapprove them" is not correct in standard written English.
It is typically used incorrectly as "disapprove" is a transitive verb that requires a direct object that is not a pronoun. Example: "I disapprove of their actions."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

In other states, insurers must file rates with a state agency before using them, but the state does not approve or disapprove them.

The New York Times - Health

But after registration comes the "qualification" process where different state and local entities do background checks on the candidates and approve or disapprove them.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

I think there should be a "sequel advisory board" which approves or disapproves them, as long as we're in fantasy mode.

TechCrunch

We complement each other's fantasies and don't disapprove of them.

Independent

But such preferences remain unpopular: polls consistently find that most Americans disapprove of them (see chart).

The Economist

City officials say they are obliged to run the adverts, even though they disapprove of them.

Independent

Believing relatives would disapprove of them giving the baby away, they told their families that the child had died.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Some people, particularly the older generation, seemed to disapprove of them being there, but it was right for us.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

So, yes, I'm a "victim" of speed cameras, but that doesn't mean I disapprove of them.

The Guardian - Opinion

Functioning labels – you might consider the terms high- and low-functioning necessary to indicate where somebody is on the spectrum, although I personally disapprove of them.

The Guardian

The more experienced candidates, Andy Burnham and Yvette Cooper, wisely hold the line as much as they possibly can, even though they know that the media will disapprove, writing them off as backward looking, while hailing other candidates that apologise more fulsomely as farsighted.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Always use the correct preposition "of" after "disapprove" when referring to a pronoun. For instance, use "disapprove of them" instead of "disapprove them".

Common error

A common mistake is omitting the preposition "of" after "disapprove" when followed by a pronoun. Remember that "disapprove" needs "of" to be grammatically correct in such constructions. For example: "I disapprove of them", not "I disapprove them".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "disapprove them" functions as a verb phrase with a transitive verb directly followed by a pronoun. This structure is grammatically incorrect, requiring the preposition "of" between the verb and the pronoun. Ludwig AI confirms this grammatical error.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "disapprove them" is grammatically incorrect in standard English. It should be replaced with "disapprove of them" to be grammatically sound. As Ludwig confirms, the verb 'disapprove' requires the preposition 'of' when followed by a pronoun. While the phrase appears in various news and media sources, its infrequent usage and grammatical inaccuracy make it a less desirable choice. Use alternatives like "reject them" or "object to them" to express disagreement clearly and correctly.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

disapprove of them

Adds the preposition "of" to correct the grammatical structure, expressing disapproval regarding the subject.

reject them

Indicates a refusal to accept or agree with something.

object to them

Expresses opposition or disagreement with the subject.

are against them

Indicates a position of opposition.

do not support them

Shows a lack of endorsement or approval.

are not in favor of them

Formally expresses disagreement or lack of support.

criticize them

Expresses disapproval through negative evaluation.

condemn them

Expresses strong disapproval, often in a moral sense.

find them unacceptable

Indicates that something does not meet required standards.

take exception to them

Formally expresses disagreement or objection.

FAQs

How to correctly use "disapprove" with a pronoun?

The correct structure is "disapprove of + pronoun". For instance, use "I "disapprove of them"" instead of "I disapprove them".

What is a grammatically correct alternative to "disapprove them"?

You can use alternatives such as ""disapprove of them"", "reject them", or "object to them".

Is there a difference in meaning between "disapprove them" and "disapprove of them"?

"Disapprove them" is grammatically incorrect. The correct phrase is ""disapprove of them"", which means to have an unfavorable opinion of something.

When should I use "disapprove of" instead of "disapprove"?

Always use "disapprove of" when followed by a pronoun. For example, "I disapprove of their actions" is correct, as is "I "disapprove of them"". "I disapprove their actions" is incorrect.