indicate approval of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "indicate approval of" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when expressing that someone is showing or signaling their agreement or endorsement of something. Example: "The committee's decision to approve the new policy will indicate approval of the proposed changes."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

Many people use it to indicate approval of something trendy or excitement at something fun.

The Guardian

(5) The Administration must indicate approval of the combined final EIS/ROD by signing the document.

Cornell University

The lot's owners were not in evidence either, though that did not necessarily indicate approval of the auto flea market on their property.

The New York Times - Travel

They decided all actions via consensus-decision making, whereby you can indicate approval of an action by a quick show of jazz hands.

Independent

Congress may review any actions performed by a delegated authority; and in some areas of delegated legislation, such as in proposals for governmental reorganization, Congress must indicate approval of specific plans before they go into effect.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Voters had the easy option of simply depositing the sheet in a ballot box at the officials' table to indicate approval of the candidates.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

No one else may sign indicating approval of your Advisor Approved Elective choices on behalf of your advisor.

Cornell University

The advisor signs the student's Registration Worksheet, indicating approval of the final program.

Columbia University

In a speech at Vanderbilt University the President indicated approval of the mass demonstrations of Negroes in Birmingham and other Southern cities.

The New Yorker

The New Yorker, June 1 , 1963P. 100 In a speech at Vanderbilt University the President indicated approval of the mass demonstrations of Negroes in Birmingham and other Southern cities.

The New Yorker

By Richard H. Rovere The New Yorker, June 1 , 1963P. 100 In a speech at Vanderbilt University the President indicated approval of the mass demonstrations of Negroes in Birmingham and other Southern cities.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "indicate approval of", ensure the subject clearly demonstrates their agreement through a specific action or statement.

Common error

Be careful not to assume that silence or lack of explicit objection automatically "indicate approval of" something. Active consent or demonstrable support is required.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "indicate approval of" functions as a verb phrase. According to Ludwig AI, it signifies an action of showing or signaling agreement or endorsement.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Academia

40%

Science

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "indicate approval of" serves to express agreement or support. As noted by Ludwig AI, the usage is grammatically correct, though relatively rare. Predominantly found in news, academic, and scientific contexts, it maintains a neutral register. When writing, remember that "indicate approval of" requires clear actions or statements demonstrating agreement. For alternative phrasing, consider "show support for", "express agreement with", or the more concise "endorse".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

show support for

Replaces "indicate approval" with a more direct expression of backing or endorsement.

express agreement with

Focuses on the act of agreeing, rather than just indicating approval.

endorse

A more concise and formal way of saying "give approval to".

affirm

Implies a formal declaration of approval.

sanction

Suggests official permission or authorization.

ratify

Implies formal confirmation or validation.

give the green light to

An idiomatic way of saying "authorize" or "permit".

sign off on

Suggests final approval, often after a review process.

bless

Informal and implies bestowing approval, sometimes with a sense of goodwill.

OK

Short and simple for expressing approval of something

FAQs

How can I use "indicate approval of" in a sentence?

You can use "indicate approval of" when you want to say that someone is showing or signaling their agreement or endorsement of something. For example, "The board's decision will "indicate approval of" the new policy".

What's a more formal way to say "indicate approval of"?

For a more formal tone, consider using "endorse", "affirm", or "ratify", depending on the specific context.

What are some alternatives to "indicate approval of" that aren't so formal?

If you're aiming for a less formal tone, you could use "show support for" or "give the green light to".

Is there a difference between "indicate approval of" and "give approval to"?

"Indicate approval of" implies a signaling of agreement, while "give approval to" suggests the actual act of granting permission or authorization. The former is an expression of support and the second is the actual process of approving something.