highly approving

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "highly approving" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a strong or enthusiastic approval of something or someone. Example: "The committee was highly approving of the new policy changes proposed by the management."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Gerald, as he preferred to be called, introduced me to his wife Donna, whom he assured me was highly approving of his voyeurism, which he insisted was an important social history of the sexual activities of his motel guests.

The Guardian - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

"I have hastily read your essay and highly approve it.

The New York Times

"We talk a lot about infidelity, but actually infidelity was much more highly approved of among men in the past than it is today.

The New York Times

Mr. Murphy said that at a certain point during the filming he was "advised to retire to the perimeter of the set," but he nevertheless highly approves of the movie.

The New York Times

Last year, after the right-wing personality Ann Coulter sent a Twitter message about Mitt Romney and President Obama — "I highly approve of Romney's decision to be kind and gentle to the retard" — Mr. Stephens wrote her a letter.

The New York Times

And a nun on the podium!" Judging by the reaction of the crowd, a great number of the delegates had heard about and highly approved of the Nuns on the Bus — either that, or they just loved the sound of it.

The New Yorker

The tweet in question -- "I highly approve of Romney's decision to be kind and gentle to the retard" -- and a next-day followup, "Obama: 'Stage 3 Romneysia' - because cancer references are HILARIOUS.

Huffington Post

There were the usual curse-words, but I still literally cringe when I hear the word "retard," recently used by media militant Ann Coulter when she tweeted, "I highly approve of Romney's decision to be kind and gentle to the retard".

Huffington Post

After being dragged in front of Starr's tribunal in the 1990s, previously pronounced dead after "Hillarycare," Mrs. Clinton became a highly approved New York senator, which she jettisoned into a presidential candidacy, landing as Secretary of State (a job she's managed far better than she did her '08 campaign), because even after the brutal primary battle Pres.

Huffington Post

And, of course, if you can get Tina Fey to come back and participate in a sketch involving videotaped car washes, well, then you'll be my hero (and if you can get Seth Meyers to participate, my wife will highly approve).

Huffington Post

As a long-time observer of California Pizza Kitchen, having been with them since the beginning, I must take my hat off to the new CEO, GJ Hart, and his staff for having the imagination to think 'outside of the box.' The manager told me that Larry and Rick had been in recently and highly approved of what they saw.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "highly approving" to describe a situation where someone not only approves, but does so with enthusiasm and strong support. It's more emphatic than simply saying "approving".

Common error

While grammatically correct, using "highly approving" in casual conversation or informal writing might sound overly formal or stilted. Consider simpler alternatives like "really likes" or "strongly supports" to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "highly approving" functions as a descriptor, modifying a noun to indicate the degree to which someone approves of something. It serves to emphasize the strength of the approval. As Ludwig AI indicates, this usage is grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "highly approving" is a grammatically sound phrase used to express strong endorsement or agreement. Although Ludwig AI confirms it is correct, its frequency is rare, primarily appearing in news and media contexts. When choosing to use this phrase, consider the level of formality required; simpler alternatives might be more appropriate for informal situations. Remember that "highly approving" suggests a more emphatic and enthusiastic endorsement than merely "approving".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

strongly endorsing

Replaces "approving" with "endorsing", implying a more active and public support.

enthusiastically agreeing

Highlights the eagerness and positivity in the approval, suggesting excitement.

wholly supportive

Emphasizes unwavering support, suggesting complete agreement and backing.

warmly approving

Describes the approval as friendly and heartfelt.

greatly appreciating

Shifts the focus to appreciation rather than explicit approval, suggesting admiration.

giving a strong endorsement

Replaces the adjective with a verb phrase, which emphasizes the action of endorsing something.

completely assenting

Stresses full and unconditional agreement.

very much in favor

Uses a more common idiom to express strong support or agreement.

highly commendatory

Replaces "approving" with "commendatory", emphasizing praise and recognition.

showing great favor

This phrase expresses approval through the idea of showing preference or support.

FAQs

How can I use "highly approving" in a sentence?

Use "highly approving" to describe a strong and enthusiastic agreement or endorsement. For example: "The board was highly approving of the new marketing strategy."

What are some alternatives to "highly approving"?

You can use alternatives such as "strongly endorsing", "wholly supportive", or "enthusiastically agreeing" depending on the context.

Is "highly approving" formal or informal?

While grammatically correct, "highly approving" tends to lean towards the formal side. In informal contexts, consider alternatives like "really likes" or "strongly supports".

What's the difference between "approving" and "highly approving"?

"Highly approving" indicates a stronger level of agreement or endorsement compared to simply "approving". The addition of "highly" emphasizes the enthusiasm and intensity of the approval.