obtained approval

USAGE SUMMARY

"obtained approval" is a correct phrase and can be used in written English.
It means to receive or obtain authorization or permission for something. Example: The company obtained approval from the government to begin construction on their new office building.

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Note that he obtained approval of his changes from the people actually doing the work.

Harvard Business Review

The lawmakers told investigators that they had obtained approval for the trip from the Ethics Committee.

The Washington Post

The project resumed after Albanese renegotiated its deal with the Battery Park City Authority and obtained approval for Liberty Bonds.

The New York Times

"We have not seen any evidence that any of the employees, including Fastow, obtained approval from the chairman and C.E.O.

The New York Times

Dr. Muller stopped while ethics committees reviewed the question, and she ultimately obtained approval.

The New York Times

The Takahama plant had already obtained approval from Japan's nuclear regulator.

The Economist

After having obtained approval by the Romans, he was enthroned as pope on Feb. 12, 1049.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Overcoming weak Anglo-French opposition, Ferdinand obtained approval for military intervention.

Encyclopedia Britannica

ING conceded defeat today after HSBC, in swift and decisive moves, obtained approval from the French central bank and from 58percentt of Credit Commercial's shareholders.

The New York Times

The company said it would not take that step until it obtained approval for the deal from European and other regulators.

The New York Times

Lufthansa last week obtained approval from European Union regulators for the takeover of Austrian Airlines, which could further extend the reach of Monday's deal.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Specify from whom the approval was obtained for clarity. For example, "obtained approval from the ethics committee".

Common error

Avoid using "approval was obtained" excessively, as it can make your writing sound less direct. Instead, actively state who obtained the approval to strengthen your sentence.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "obtained approval" functions as a predicate in sentences, indicating that a subject has successfully received authorization or permission for a specific action or project. As shown in Ludwig, it's commonly used to describe the successful completion of an approval process.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

40%

News & Media

35%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Academia

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "obtained approval" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase that signifies the successful acquisition of permission or authorization. As Ludwig AI confirms, its usage is correct and appropriate across various contexts, particularly in science, news, and formal business settings. While alternatives like "secured authorization" or "gained permission" exist, the choice depends on the desired nuance and level of formality. When employing this phrase, be mindful of specifying the source of approval and avoiding excessive passive voice constructions. Its prevalence in reputable sources underscores its reliability and widespread acceptance in formal and professional communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Gained permission

Similar in meaning, but emphasizes the act of gaining or receiving permission.

Had approval granted

Passive construction that highlights the granting of approval by an external entity.

Secured authorization

Focuses on the act of making the approval certain or guaranteed, emphasizing a proactive effort.

Received the go-ahead

An idiomatic expression indicating permission to proceed, more informal than "obtained approval".

Acquired endorsement

Emphasizes the support or recommendation received, differing slightly from simple permission.

Procured consent

Implies a more formal or legal agreement than simply "obtained approval".

Won clearance

Suggests overcoming obstacles to gain approval, adding a sense of achievement.

Earned acceptance

Suggests approval was given based on merit or effort, implying a deeper level of validation.

Passed muster

An idiom indicating that something has met the required standards for approval.

Underwent validation

Focuses on the process of being validated, implying that approval was a result of that process.

FAQs

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

You can use "obtained approval" to indicate that permission or authorization was received for a specific action or project. For example, "The research team "obtained approval" from the ethics board before starting the study".

What are some alternatives to "obtained approval"?

Alternatives to "obtained approval" include "secured authorization", "gained permission", or "received the go-ahead". The best choice depends on the specific context and level of formality.

Is it better to say "obtained approval" or "received approval"?

"Obtained approval" and "received approval" are largely interchangeable. "Obtained" emphasizes the effort or process of getting the approval, while "received" simply highlights the act of getting it. Choose the one that best fits the tone and context of your writing.

What's the difference between "obtained approval" and "sought approval"?

"Obtained approval" indicates that the approval was successfully acquired. In contrast, "sought approval" means that an attempt was made to get approval, but it doesn't guarantee that the approval was granted. Consider the context of if action it was successful or not to decide between them.