if he approves

USAGE SUMMARY

'if he approves' is a correct and usable part of a sentence in written English.
You can use it when expressing a conditional, e.g. "We can move forward with the project if he approves."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

12 human-written examples

Impulse buyers beware: Mr. Kopulos will sell you a bird only if he approves of you.

The New York Times

Ms. Feldman always asks her husband if he approves of her outfits.

The New York Times

Mets players learned moments before the game that Cincinnati Reds shortstop Barry Larkin, a potential Hall of Famer, can become a Met if he approves a trade.

The New York Times - Sports

If he approves its construction, far more of the dirtiest oil on Earth will flow out of the tar sands of Alberta, Canada, and reach the US Gulf Coast.

The Guardian - Opinion

If he approves the plan, a nursing home and a residential psychiatric care unit could move from Montrose to the V.A.'s Castle Point facility in Dutchess County, said Lawrence Devine, a spokesman for the Department of Veterans Affairs.

The New York Times

We are dying slowly," says Antonio Gayoso of the MCNOC, one of the largest peasant organisations.But while failing to satisfy the peasants, Mr Duarte has simultaneously alarmed businessmen by adopting populist talk that makes it look as if he approves of the land invasions.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

44 human-written examples

It sounded as if he approved.

The Guardian - Film

Cheney was also asked if he approved of the Sonia Sotomayor pick: not really.

The New Yorker

If he approved of Indian removal, then he would do what it took to remove the Indians.

The New York Times - Books

Who, in Alberto R. Gonzales's position, would not disavow torture when asked if he approved of it?

The New York Times

He would listen to a lieutenant's plans for a new exploit and, if he approved, tell him to get on with it.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "if he approves", ensure the subject and verb agree in number and tense. Maintaining consistency enhances clarity and grammatical correctness in your writing.

Common error

Avoid assuming universal authority. "If he approves" should only be used when the individual genuinely possesses the power to authorize or validate the matter in question.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "if he approves" functions as a conditional clause, introducing a condition that must be met for the main clause to occur. As Ludwig AI confirms, this is a correct and usable part of a sentence.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "if he approves" introduces a condition necessary for an action to proceed. According to Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct and commonly used in English writing. With examples primarily sourced from news and media, its register is neutral, making it suitable for various contexts. Alternatives such as "if he consents" or "provided he sanctions" can offer stylistic variations, though the core meaning remains consistent. Remember to ensure the subject-verb agreement and that the individual granting approval has the appropriate authority. As Ludwig confirms, this phrase is a valid and useful component in expressing conditional scenarios.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

if he consents

Replaces 'approves' with a synonym that emphasizes agreement or permission.

if he agrees

A more general term for giving assent, applicable in various contexts.

should he authorize

More formal and emphasizes official permission or endorsement.

assuming he permits

Highlights the condition of receiving permission beforehand.

in the event he endorses

Formal and suggests a public declaration of support.

provided he sanctions

Implies formal approval or authorization, often by an authority.

on the condition he accepts

Emphasizes that approval is a prerequisite.

if he gives the go-ahead

Informal and emphasizes permission to proceed.

once he has ratified

Suggests a formal process of confirmation.

depending on his assent

Highlights reliance on someone's formal or official agreement.

FAQs

How can I use "if he approves" in a sentence?

You can use "if he approves" to introduce a conditional clause, such as: "The project will commence "if he approves" the budget."

What are some alternatives to "if he approves"?

Some alternatives include "if he consents", "provided he sanctions", or "assuming he permits".

Is it correct to say "if he approve" instead of "if he approves"?

No, "if he approve" is grammatically incorrect in modern English. The correct form is "if he approves", using the third-person singular present tense.

What's the difference between "if he approves" and "if he approved"?

"If he approves" refers to a present or future possibility, while "if he approved" refers to a hypothetical situation in the past or present. For example, "If he approves, we will proceed" versus "If he approved, we would have proceeded."