gaining approval

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "gaining approval" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use the phrase when someone is trying to get permission or acceptance for something. For example, "The group worked hard to gain approval from the committee for the new project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Jerry Orbach had a tough time gaining approval.

The New York Times

Some legal scholars said the measure might have trouble gaining approval by the court.

The New York Times

It is now being considered by the Senate after gaining approval in the lower house.

The Economist

After gaining approval from the F.D.A., McNeil introduced Splenda in late 1999.

The New York Times

In 2015, we achieved a major milestone by gaining approval as an Alternative Business Structure ABSS).

The Guardian

The number of new drugs gaining approval has plunged in recent years, casting doubt on the industry's research model.

The Economist

Northfield's rivals in the race to develop blood substitutes have concentrated on gaining approval in elective surgery.

The New York Times

The next step was gaining approval to function as a telecommunications company from New Mexico's Public Regulation Commission.

The New York Times

While rebuilding the temple of the Yungang Grottoes, he authorised building work before gaining approval from Unesco, risking damage to the statues.

The Guardian

"The first step of the process has been the hardest, gaining approval and legitimacy in our own community of producers," Mr. Van Petten said.

The New York Times

But the first two revisions to the search criteria do not appear to have resulted in more Tea Party groups gaining approval.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about a process, specify from whom the approval is being sought. For example, instead of "gaining approval", specify "gaining approval from the board".

Common error

Avoid vague sentences by clearly identifying who is granting the approval. For example, instead of "Approval was gained", write "The committee granted approval".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "gaining approval" functions as a gerund phrase, often acting as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes the process of obtaining endorsement or permission, as evidenced by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "gaining approval" is a versatile and frequently used gerund phrase that describes the process of obtaining permission or acceptance. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and appears in a wide range of contexts, from News & Media to scientific publications. While generally neutral, the register can shift towards professional or formal depending on the situation. When using the phrase, make sure to clearly identify from whom the approval is being sought and avoid overuse of the passive voice. Consider related phrases like "securing endorsement" or "obtaining authorization" for variety and precision.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

securing endorsement

Focuses on obtaining formal support or permission.

obtaining authorization

Emphasizes the act of getting official permission.

receiving the go-ahead

Implies that permission has been granted to proceed.

getting the green light

Suggests receiving a clear signal to move forward.

winning consent

Highlights the act of persuading someone to agree.

acquiring acceptance

Focuses on achieving general agreement or favor.

earning commendation

Highlights the process of receiving praise for good work.

achieving ratification

Emphasizes a formal validation process.

attracting validation

Focuses on receiving recognition or confirmation of value.

procuring clearance

Implies obtaining necessary permission, often in a formal setting.

FAQs

How can I use "gaining approval" in a sentence?

You can use "gaining approval" to describe the process of getting permission or acceptance for something. For instance, "The company is focused on gaining approval for their new drug".

What are some alternatives to "gaining approval"?

Alternatives include "securing endorsement", "obtaining authorization", or "getting the green light", depending on the specific context.

Is it better to say "gaining approval" or "obtaining approval"?

Both "gaining approval" and "obtaining approval" are grammatically correct. The choice depends on the context and desired nuance; "gaining" might imply effort or progress, while "obtaining" is more neutral.

What's the difference between "gaining approval" and "seeking approval"?

"Gaining approval" indicates that the process has been successful. "Seeking approval", on the other hand, means that the process is underway, and approval has not yet been obtained.