express disapproval of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "express disapproval of" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to indicate that someone is voicing their negative opinion or criticism about something. Example: "The committee decided to express disapproval of the proposed changes to the policy during the meeting."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

15 human-written examples

And, 'Lying sucks!' and 'I disapprove of lying,' can each express disapproval of lying.

SEP

But does the current law express disapproval of aiding and abetting suicides?

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Attending a goofy popcorn movie could become a way to express disapproval of gays and lesbians — hardly a happy ending.

The New York Times

More than half of Republicans now express disapproval of its work, compared with just over a third in early June.

The New York Times

Is there a way to express disapproval of certain value systems and certain belief systems without sounding racist?

The Guardian

The Chinese government does not censor the dispatches of foreign correspondents, but the authorities can express disapproval of a writer's work by withholding visa renewals — a not uncommon practice.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

44 human-written examples

In the latest CBS News poll, 85 percent of respondents expressed disapproval of the performance of Congress, and 49 percent expressed disapproval of Mr. Obama.

The New York Times

It was upheld by the State Supreme Court in 1977, although the justices expressed "disapproval" of blanket challenges.

The New York Times

Mailer expresses disapproval of President Clinton's unwillingness simply to "admit his affair with Monica Lewinsky and get on with it".

The New Yorker

Mr. Bradley's best figures came among the 13percentt who expressed disapproval of Mr. Clinton's record.

The New York Times

Climate change skeptics and people on the right are now expressing disapproval of the Heartland billboards, which is appropriate.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "express disapproval of" when you want to formally or officially communicate your negative stance on a specific issue or action. It is appropriate in professional or academic contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "express disapproval of" in overly casual conversations. Simpler phrases like "dislike" or "disagree with" are more suitable for informal settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "express disapproval of" functions as a verb phrase used to indicate a formal or explicit declaration of disagreement or objection. This usage aligns with Ludwig AI's assessment of the phrase as correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "express disapproval of" is a grammatically sound and frequently utilized expression for formally conveying disagreement or objection. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, its appropriateness spans diverse authoritative sources, notably within News & Media and Science. The phrase lends a sense of official communication, distinct from informal alternatives like "dislike" or "disagree with". Mastering its usage involves understanding the level of formality needed and recognizing situations where a more nuanced approach, such as "express reservations regarding", might be more fitting.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

voice objection to

Replaces "disapproval" with "objection", focusing on the act of objecting.

register discontent with

Substitutes "disapproval" with "discontent", emphasizing a feeling of unhappiness or dissatisfaction.

show disagreement with

Replaces "express disapproval" with "show disagreement", a more direct and straightforward expression.

indicate opposition to

Focuses on the act of being against something, rather than just showing disapproval.

lodge a protest against

Implies a more formal and active expression of disapproval.

convey dissatisfaction with

Highlights the act of communicating a lack of satisfaction.

air grievances about

Focuses on expressing complaints or concerns about something.

express reservations regarding

Suggests a more cautious and qualified form of disapproval.

raise concerns about

Emphasizes the act of bringing up issues or worries.

criticize

A more direct way to express disapproval by pointing out faults.

FAQs

How can I use "express disapproval of" in a sentence?

You can use "express disapproval of" to formally state disagreement. For example, "The committee decided to express disapproval of the proposed changes." It is often followed by the specific subject of disapproval.

What are some alternatives to "express disapproval of"?

Alternatives include "voice objection to", "show disagreement with", or "register discontent with", depending on the context and desired level of formality.

Is it better to "express disapproval of" or "express disagreement with"?

"Express disapproval of" is often used when addressing actions or decisions, while "express disagreement with" might be used for ideas or statements. The choice depends on the specific context.

What's the nuance between "express disapproval of" and "criticize"?

"Express disapproval of" is generally a more formal and diplomatic way of stating your opposition. "Criticize" is more direct and may imply fault-finding. In comparison, it is more nuanced to "express reservations regarding" than to flatly criticize.