no approval

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "no approval" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something does not require or has not received approval, often in contexts related to decisions, processes, or permissions. Example: "The project can proceed with no approval needed from the board."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

But no approval came.

The New York Times - Health

But some leases, he said, require no approval at all.

The New York Times

"There's no money and no approval," she said.

The New York Times

The men had no approval rights over the actors playing them.

The New York Times

No approval will be granted if the changes "damage the economic interests of the Russian Federation".

The New York Times

However, there is no approval process to obtain development tools or develop UWP apps".

The Guardian - Tech

Its operations in Europe are so small that its deal needs no approval from Brussels.

The New York Times

Police have said no approval was given for the entire road to be closed and they are investigating.

The Guardian

"No permission was sought and no approval was received for the lighting of the fire by ERA.

The Guardian

Since this was a systematic review, no approval from our institutional review board was necessary.

Insights into Imaging

Since this is a case report, no approval of the Institutional Review Board was necessary.

International Journal of Implant Dentistry

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "no approval", ensure the context clearly indicates what type of approval is absent (e.g., "no board approval", "no ethical approval").

Common error

Avoid assuming universal understanding of what "no approval" entails. Always specify whose approval is lacking to prevent ambiguity and ensure clarity in your communication.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "no approval" functions primarily as a noun phrase expressing the absence of authorization or consent. Ludwig examples show it frequently modifies other nouns, clarifying that a certain action or process lacks the required endorsement. Ludwig confirms its correct and usable nature in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

45%

News & Media

35%

Formal & Business

20%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "no approval" is a common and grammatically correct way to express the absence of authorization or consent. As shown by Ludwig, it appears most frequently in scientific, news, and formal business contexts. While its meaning is generally clear, it's best practice to specify what type of approval is lacking to avoid ambiguity. Alternatives like "without consent" or "lacking authorization" can be used to add nuance or formality. Overall, Ludwig confirms that the phrase is a reliable and versatile tool for clear communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

without consent

Focuses on the absence of agreement or permission.

lacking authorization

Highlights the deficiency of official permission or power.

unapproved

A concise adjective indicating not having been officially approved.

no permission granted

Emphasizes that permission was not given.

without endorsement

Suggests the absence of support or backing.

not ratified

Implies the absence of formal confirmation or validation.

denied authorization

Indicates that authorization was specifically refused.

without sanction

Highlights the lack of official approval or penalty.

no green light

An idiomatic expression meaning no permission to proceed.

no go-ahead

Similar to "no green light", indicating that permission to proceed was not given.

FAQs

What does "no approval" mean in a formal context?

In a formal context, "no approval" signifies that a proposal, action, or document has not been officially authorized or sanctioned by the relevant authority. This can have significant implications depending on the situation.

What can I say instead of "no approval"?

You can use alternatives like "without consent", "lacking authorization", or "unapproved" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it grammatically correct to start a sentence with "no approval"?

While grammatically correct, starting a sentence directly with "no approval" might sound abrupt. It's often better to phrase it as "There is no approval" or "Approval was not granted" for better flow.

What's the difference between "no approval" and "no permission"?

"No approval" often implies a formal process or higher authority, while "no permission" can refer to a more informal or personal context. For instance, you might need approval from a committee but only need permission from your supervisor.