given the green light

USAGE SUMMARY

"given the green light" is correct and usable in written English.
You may use it when you are referring to approval or permission for something to be done. For example: The project was given the green light by the board of directors, so we can now begin the implementation.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The C.I.A. had given the green light to the sale.

The New York Times

On the Tuesday the ECB was given the green light.

The Guardian - Sport

Cooper was now given the green light for seven orbits.

The Guardian

Another tower at 22 Bishopsgate has also been given the green light.

The Guardian - Business

■ The final boost came last October, when the Northern Line extension was given the green light.

The Guardian - Business

Activists claim the dams, which were eventually given the green light, will displace thousands of people.

The Guardian

Ironically it is English Heritage which has given the green light to the scheme.

The Guardian

So far, no airline has given the green light to voice calls.

The New York Times

And James Cawley's been given the green light to produce an official online Buck Rogers.

The Guardian - Film

The other eight mines are yet to be given the green light by ministers.

The Guardian

Once the production was given the green light, locations became a paramount concern.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "given the green light" when you want to convey that something has been officially approved and can now proceed. It's suitable for both formal and informal contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "given the green light" in situations where informal consent or agreement is sufficient. The phrase implies a degree of formality and official approval, so opt for simpler terms like "agreed" or "okay" in casual settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "given the green light" functions as a passive construction indicating that approval or permission has been granted for a particular action, project, or plan. It is widely recognized and used, as evidenced by the Ludwig examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Formal & Business

15%

Science

5%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Social Media

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "given the green light" is a widely used phrase that indicates approval or permission to proceed with a plan or project. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability in various contexts, predominantly in news and media, as well as in formal business settings. While alternatives like "received approval" or "got the go-ahead" exist, they vary in formality. Therefore, understanding the context is crucial when choosing the most appropriate phrase. This phrase is considered very common.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

got the go-ahead

A more informal synonym indicating permission to proceed.

given permission

Directly states that permission was granted.

received approval

Implies a formal process of obtaining permission.

given the thumbs up

Informal term to show agreement or approval to something.

obtained clearance

Indicates that all necessary checks and permissions have been secured.

permitted to proceed

Formally expresses that permission has been granted to continue.

was authorized

Suggests permission from a higher authority.

was sanctioned

Implies official approval, often from a regulatory body.

had the nod

An idiomatic expression signifying approval, often tacit.

blessed

Informal term to show agreement or approval to something.

FAQs

How can I use "given the green light" in a sentence?

You can use "given the green light" to indicate that a project, plan, or idea has been approved and can proceed. For example, "The project was "given the green light" by the board of directors".

What is a more formal alternative to "given the green light"?

A more formal alternative to "given the green light" is "received approval". This phrasing is suitable for official documents and communications.

What is a synonym for "given the green light" that is less formal?

A less formal synonym for "given the green light" is "got the go-ahead". This is commonly used in casual conversations or informal business settings.

Is "given the green light" interchangeable with "given permission"?

While similar, "given the green light" implies more than just permission; it suggests endorsement and readiness to proceed. "Given permission" simply means that something is allowed, while "given the green light" carries a stronger sense of approval and support.