obtain approval

USAGE SUMMARY

'obtain approval' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you are requesting permission from someone for something specific. For example: "In order to move forward, I need to obtain approval from my supervisor."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

"We have reminded faculty of the necessity to obtain approval for all changes to approved protocols," the university said.

The New York Times

The chief investigator will submit and, where necessary, obtain approval for all substantial amendments to the original approved documents.

BMJ Open

"Lam failed to request the appropriate waiver or obtain approval".

The New York Times

Verizon must still obtain approval from the Federal Communications Commission and several state regulators.

The New York Times

Insurers were forbidden, for example, to require members to obtain approval before seeking care.

The New York Times - Health

Officials from the utility said they expected to obtain approval by spring of 2002.

The New York Times

Players need to obtain approval from the athletic department before getting an off-campus job.

The New Yorker

"They complained that we had failed to obtain approval from the commission," Mr. Anderson said.

The New York Times

More important, British Telecom must first obtain approval from regulators before it can revamp.

The New York Times

Bristol-Myers said it would consider all available options to obtain approval for UFT in the United States.

The New York Times

Moreover, delays of two to five years to obtain approval from the Food and Drug Administration only compounded the problem.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "obtain approval", clearly identify the authority from whom approval is needed. This adds clarity and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Don't proceed with an action based on assumed or implied approval. Always seek explicit approval to avoid potential issues and misunderstandings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "obtain approval" functions as a verb phrase. It generally acts as the predicate of a sentence or clause, expressing the action of receiving or securing permission or authorization for something. Ludwig AI confirms this usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

41%

Science

33%

Formal & Business

26%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "obtain approval" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to describe the act of receiving permission or authorization. As Ludwig AI indicates, it is frequently used across diverse contexts such as news, science, and business. It is considered neutral to formal in register, making it suitable for professional communication. To enhance clarity in writing, always specify from whom the approval must be obtained. Related phrases include "secure endorsement" and "gain authorization". Avoid proceeding based on assumed approval; explicit consent is always recommended.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Gain authorization

Focuses on the act of receiving official permission to proceed.

Secure endorsement

Implies acquiring formal support or permission.

Acquire clearance

Emphasizes the removal of obstacles or barriers through permission.

Procure consent

Highlights the act of getting agreement or permission, often in a formal context.

Receive the go-ahead

An informal way to express getting permission to start something.

Solicit sanction

Suggests actively seeking formal approval or permission.

Get the green light

Similar to "receive the go-ahead", but slightly more idiomatic.

Win agreement

Implies convincing someone to grant approval.

Earn ratification

Focuses on the formal process of confirming or approving something.

Garner support

Emphasizes gathering backing or advocacy, which can lead to approval.

FAQs

How can I use "obtain approval" in a sentence?

You can use "obtain approval" in a sentence like this: "The project team must "obtain approval" from the steering committee before proceeding with the next phase."

What are some alternatives to saying "obtain approval"?

Some alternatives to "obtain approval" include "secure endorsement", "gain authorization", or "acquire clearance".

Is it better to say "get approval" or "obtain approval"?

"Obtain approval" is generally considered more formal than "get approval". Use "obtain approval" in professional or formal contexts, and "get approval" in more casual settings.

What is the difference between "seek approval" and "obtain approval"?

"Seek approval" means to attempt to get approval, while "obtain approval" means to successfully get it. For example, "We need to "seek approval" for the budget increase, and hopefully, we will "obtain approval" quickly."