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Since I tried Ludwig back in 2017, I have been constantly using it in both editing and translation. Ever since, I suggest it to my translators at ProSciEditing.

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
move to approve
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
"move to approve" is a correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It is often used in formal settings such as meetings, debates, or parliamentary procedures. It is used to indicate that someone is making a formal motion to approve or support something. Example: "I move to approve the budget proposal for the upcoming year."
✓ Grammatically correct
News & Media
Formal & Business
Alternative expressions(3)
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
8 human-written examples
At that point, Homeland Security officials did not move to approve the application nor did they deny it, but they left it open for "additional review".
News & Media
Unless the Democrats can win over enough Republicans to cut off debate and move to approve the Reid bill or some variant, the Republicans would be forced to hold the floor continuously, awaiting some kind of deal.
News & Media
The move to approve women as bishops in Britain followed the lead taken by Anglican churches elsewhere; in the United States, Australia and Canada, women have been appointed as bishops for some years.
News & Media
Serving with an organization that works to end the harm caused by religion-based prejudice and hostility toward gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender Americans, I commend the Episcopal Church for its courageous move to approve the election of the church's second openly gay bishop, the Rev. Mary D. Glasspool.
News & Media
Politically it is not a smart move to approve new developments, so once this excess supply of homes are absorbed, the game will change.
News & Media
This spring, Altria spun off its Kraft Foods division, and analysts think the board will next move to approve the spinning off of Philip Morris International around late summer.
News & Media
Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources
Similar Expressions
45 human-written examples
A30 Moving Spending Legislation Congress began to hasten its pace in moving to approve a number of the remaining spending bills needed to keep the government functioning.
News & Media
PAGE C1 Making It Formal in Vermont As Vermont moves to approve "civil unions" for same-sex couples, gays and lesbians are embracing a goal once deemed unattainable.
News & Media
Then, on Thursday, the board of commissioners in Illinois Cook Countyy ― which includes Chicago ― moved to approve a tax of 1 cent per ounce on soda and other sugary beverages.
News & Media
For the past decade, the Anglican Communion has been in turmoil after the Episcopal Church consecrated two openly gay bishops and moved to approve blessings for same-sex unions.
News & Media
Even more immediately, this not-so-nascent movement will be ready to push back when USDA moves to approve the next in Monsanto and Dow's pipeline of new GE seeds -- none of them adequately tested, and each engineered to withstand heavier applications of more toxic herbicides than the last.
News & Media
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
Use "move to approve" in formal settings, such as meetings or parliamentary procedures, to propose a motion for approval.
Common error
Avoid using "move to approve" in casual conversation, as it sounds overly formal and stilted. Opt for simpler phrases like "I suggest we approve it" or "Let's approve it".
Source & Trust
87%
Authority and reliability
4.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The phrase "move to approve" functions as an infinitive verb phrase, typically used to introduce a formal proposal or motion in a structured setting, such as a meeting. It indicates a suggestion for a specific action, as confirmed by Ludwig.
Frequent in
News & Media
40%
Formal & Business
30%
Science
10%
Less common in
Wiki
7%
Encyclopedias
7%
Social Media
6%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
In summary, "move to approve" is a grammatically correct and formally used phrase, as validated by Ludwig. It serves the purpose of proposing a motion or action for approval in structured environments such as meetings and parliamentary settings. As confirmed by Ludwig, it is less suitable for casual conversation, where simpler alternatives are preferred. While the frequency of this phrase is uncommon, its usage spans across news, business and scientific domains. Its presence is significant in authoritative sources like The New York Times, indicating its role in documenting formal proceedings.
More alternative expressions(6)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
propose to approve
Replaces "move" with "propose", indicating a suggestion or plan for approval.
suggest approval
Simplifies the phrase by directly stating the action of suggesting approval.
recommend for approval
Replaces "move" with "recommend", emphasizing a positive endorsement.
table a motion for approval
Uses more formal terminology to indicate the act of presenting a motion for approval.
put forward for approval
Highlights the act of presenting something for consideration and subsequent approval.
offer for ratification
Substitutes "approval" with "ratification", implying a more formal and binding agreement.
endorse for acceptance
Emphasizes the act of endorsing or supporting something for acceptance.
urge the adoption of
Suggests a strong encouragement for the adoption or acceptance of something.
push for endorsement
Highlights the effort to gain endorsement or support for something.
champion the approval of
Emphasizes active support and advocacy for the approval of something.
FAQs
How do you use "move to approve" in a sentence?
You typically use "move to approve" to formally propose a motion during a meeting or formal setting. For example, "I move to approve the minutes from the last meeting."
What's a more casual way to say "move to approve"?
In less formal contexts, you could say "I suggest we approve...", "Let's approve...", or "I'm in favor of approving..."
What does it mean to second a "move to approve"?
To second a "move to approve" means to formally support the motion that has been proposed. If a motion isn't seconded, it typically isn't considered further.
Is "move to approve" the same as "second the motion"?
"Move to approve" is the act of proposing a motion, while "second the motion" is the act of supporting it. They are distinct but related actions in a formal procedure.
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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
87%
Authority and reliability
4.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested