formal approval

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "formal approval" is correct and can be used in written English.
It refers to the official authorization or consent given to something or someone. Example: The project could not proceed without formal approval from the board of directors.

✓ Grammatically correct

Formal & Business

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Formal approval must now go through three steps.

The New York Times

The deal still needs formal approval from all three states.

The New York Times

But I don't really have formal approval from them".

The New York Times

Formal approval for investigations commonly takes six months.

The New York Times

But in terms of formal approval, I don't believe there's a formal approval step at this point in the process".

The New York Times

Formal approval could come within a matter of weeks, he said.

The New York Times

The Pentagon requires the formal approval of foreign governments to operate on their territory.

The Guardian

The archdiocese's chancellor gave formal approval in January, Father Modrys said.

The New York Times

The rules still must win the formal approval of European government ministers and the European Parliament.

The New York Times

It is held up at every stage from getting formal approval to finding the right hospital.

The Economist

The Government is expected to give formal approval in law as early as next year.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "formal approval", ensure the context clearly defines who or what provides the approval. Being specific enhances clarity and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Don't assume tacit acceptance equates to "formal approval". Always seek explicit confirmation when official endorsement is required to prevent misunderstandings and potential repercussions.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "formal approval" functions as a noun phrase typically used as a subject or object within a sentence. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct and suitable for use in written English, indicating official authorization or consent.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Formal & Business

34%

News & Media

34%

Science

32%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "formal approval" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase that signifies official authorization or consent. Ludwig AI indicates that this phrase is widely accepted and appropriate for formal writing. It is commonly found in business, news, and scientific contexts, emphasizing its role in communicating validated agreements and lawful consent. When using this phrase, ensure clarity regarding the source of approval. Related phrases include "official endorsement", "explicit authorization" and "duly authorized". Avoid assuming that implied acceptance is equivalent to "formal approval".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

official endorsement

Emphasizes the official nature of the support or backing.

duly authorized

Indicates that something has been correctly and officially permitted.

official sanction

Highlights the authoritative permission or penalty.

explicit authorization

Focuses on the clear and direct granting of permission.

sanctioned permission

Implies that the permission has been officially approved by a relevant authority.

lawful consent

Highlights the legal aspect of the agreement or approval.

validated agreement

Stresses the confirmation and acceptance of an arrangement.

certified permission

Highlights the certified or authenticated nature of the permission.

ratified acceptance

Emphasizes the formal confirmation or validation of an agreement.

acknowledged validation

Focuses on the recognition and confirmation of validity.

FAQs

How is "formal approval" typically used in a sentence?

The phrase "formal approval" is generally used to indicate that a specific process, document, or action has received official authorization. For example: "The merger awaits "official endorsement" from the regulatory board."

What are some alternatives to "formal approval"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "official endorsement", "explicit authorization", or "duly authorized" to convey a similar meaning.

Is it better to say "formal approval" or "official approval"?

Both "formal approval" and "official approval" are correct and often interchangeable. However, "formal approval" tends to emphasize adherence to procedures, while "official approval" highlights the authority granting the permission. Choose based on the nuance you want to convey.

What's the difference between "formal approval" and "informal consent"?

"Formal approval" implies a structured, official process with documented authorization. In contrast, "informal consent" suggests a less structured agreement, often verbal and without official documentation. The context dictates which is appropriate.