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Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
if approving
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
The phrase "if approving" is not standard in written English and may cause confusion.
It could be used in contexts where you are discussing conditions related to approval, but it is better to clarify the meaning. Example: "The project will proceed if approving by the board."
News & Media
Science
Academia
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified examples from authoritative sources
Exact Expressions
1 human-written examples
As latent exposed side effects of novel drugs fill the news, we have to wonder if approving half of them based on shoddy evidence serves our health.
News & Media
Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources
Similar Expressions
59 human-written examples
The tax detailed this act, if approved, will backdate for 10 years after its approval.
News & Media
If approved, construction will begin in 2020.
News & Media
If approved, the treatment could restore vision.
Science & Research
If approved, analysts predict peak annual sales of $900m.
News & Media
If approved, it could take effect as early as this fall.
News & Media
If approved, the change would begin with the 2004 tournament.
News & Media
If approved, the sale is expected to close in July.
News & Media
If approved, they would yield 824 building lots.
News & Media
If approved, the measure would still state authorization as well.
News & Media
If approved by the State Senate, Mr. Goldstock would succeed Michael C. Axelrod.
News & Media
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
Consider replacing "if approving" with the grammatically correct "if approved" for clarity and wider acceptance.
Common error
In formal contexts, using "if approving" can be seen as grammatically incorrect. Instead, opt for "if approved" or another grammatically sound alternative to maintain professionalism and credibility.
Source & Trust
88%
Authority and reliability
3.2/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The phrase "if approving" functions as a conditional clause, setting a requirement for a subsequent action or outcome. As pointed out by Ludwig AI, this construction is not standard English.
Frequent in
News & Media
30%
Science
30%
Academia
20%
Less common in
Formal & Business
10%
Encyclopedias
5%
Reference
5%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
In summary, while the phrase "if approving" can be found in various sources, it is not considered standard English. As indicated by Ludwig AI, this may cause confusion. A more grammatically correct and widely accepted alternative is "if approved". When writing, especially in formal contexts, it's best to opt for "if approved" or other similar alternatives to ensure clarity and professionalism. The phrase's function is to set a conditional requirement, but its non-standard usage may detract from its effectiveness.
More alternative expressions(10)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
if approved
Changes tense from present continuous to past participle, indicating a completed action of approval.
if it is approved
Adds explicit subject and verb ('it is') for clarity and grammatical correctness.
assuming approval
Replaces the conditional "if" with "assuming", changing the phrase to a participle phrase.
pending approval
Indicates a state of waiting for approval, shifting the focus to the process.
should it be approved
Uses an inverted conditional structure for a more formal tone.
once approval is granted
Changes the condition to a time-based trigger: the moment approval happens.
subject to approval
Expresses that something is dependent on the condition of approval.
conditional upon approval
Similar to "subject to approval" but uses a more formal prepositional phrase.
in the event of approval
Focuses on the hypothetical event of approval occurring.
given that it is approved
Uses "given that" to explicitly state the condition as a premise.
FAQs
Is "if approving" grammatically correct?
While "if approving" appears in some contexts, it's generally considered non-standard. The past participle form, "if approved", is typically preferred for grammatical correctness.
What are some alternatives to "if approving"?
Alternatives include "if approved", "assuming approval", or "pending approval", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.
How can I use "if approved" in a sentence?
You can use "if approved" to indicate a condition: "The project will commence if approved by the board."
What is the difference between "if approving" and "if approved"?
"If approving" uses the present continuous tense, which isn't standard in this conditional construction. "If approved" uses the past participle, making it grammatically correct to indicate a completed action of approval.
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Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
88%
Authority and reliability
3.2/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested