official sanction

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "official sanction" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to formal approval or permission granted by an authority for a particular action or decision. Example: "The organization received official sanction from the government to proceed with the project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But is there official sanction?

The New Yorker

This was done with the official sanction of the agency.

The New York Times

Their intolerance now seemed to have official sanction.

The Guardian - Opinion

By contrast, not one individual has been subjected to official sanction on such grounds in Japan.

The New York Times

Popular music also produced a number of renowned figures, not all of whom enjoyed official sanction.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The assimilation policy received full official sanction in 1939, but World War II halted its progress.

Encyclopedia Britannica

With official sanction, Prokofiev traveled over the difficult route through Siberia, where civil strife was raging.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Even within the United States, they act violently without any official sanction.

The Washington Post

But anecdotal evidence suggesting official sanction is building, according to veteran observers of the Chinese market.

The Washington Post

Why, after all this time, did they want official sanction for their clearly committed, loving relationship?

The New York Times

We live in an age when many bigotries have been given official sanction.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "official sanction", ensure the context clearly identifies the source of the sanctioning authority. This adds clarity and credibility to your statement.

Common error

Avoid misinterpreting a lack of explicit disapproval as "official sanction". Real "official sanction" requires documented approval or clear authorization from a recognized authority.

Linguistic Context

The primary function of "official sanction" is to act as a noun phrase. It describes a situation where something has been formally approved or authorized by a recognized authority. Ludwig confirms that this phrase is grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Encyclopedias

25%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Academia

5%

Science

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "official sanction" is a frequently used and grammatically sound noun phrase denoting formal approval or authorization. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's employed to convey legitimacy from a governing authority. The phrase is most prevalent in News & Media, Encyclopedias, and Formal & Business contexts. While alternative phrases exist, they vary in their specific connotations. When using "official sanction", ensure the source of the sanction is clear, and avoid mistaking tacit approval for true "official sanction".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

formal authorization

Emphasizes the formal aspect of the approval process.

formal approval

Highlights the act of approving something officially.

legal endorsement

Focuses on the legal aspect of the support.

state approval

Specifies that the approval comes from a government.

government authorization

Directly indicates authorization by the government.

validated permission

Suggests that the permission has been confirmed or validated.

institutional backing

Highlights the support from an institution.

authorized consent

Focuses on the consent being officially authorized.

legitimate permission

Highlights the legitimacy and legality of the permission.

ratified approval

Suggests a more formal and confirmed type of approval.

FAQs

How can I use "official sanction" in a sentence?

You can use "official sanction" to indicate that something has been formally approved or authorized by an authority. For example, "The project proceeded with the "official sanction" of the government."

What is a good alternative to "official sanction"?

Alternatives include "formal approval", "authorized endorsement", or "legal permit" depending on the context.

Is it redundant to say "officially sanctioned"?

While "officially sanctioned" isn't grammatically incorrect, it can be seen as somewhat redundant. Using "official sanction" or phrasing the sentence to emphasize the authority granting the sanction is often more concise.

What's the difference between "official sanction" and "tacit approval"?

"Official sanction" implies explicit approval from an authority, whereas "tacit approval" suggests acceptance or permission without direct confirmation. The key difference lies in the explicitness of the endorsement.