previously approved

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "previously approved" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you are referring to something that has been accepted by some authority or authority figure in the past. For example, "The new supervisor disagreed with the previously approved procedure."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

The Senate previously approved the measure.

The New York Times

European regulators had previously approved the acquisition.

The New York Times

Avelox was previously approved to treat respiratory infections, including chronic bronchitis and pneumonia, and skin infections.

The New York Times

Mr. Koskelowski said the moratorium would not affect building lots previously approved.

The New York Times

The House, which previously approved the bill, must sign off on the Senate version.

The New York Times

It was withdrawn from the market, even for its previously approved use as animal feed.

The New York Times

"It is completely consistent with applications previously approved by the commission on the Upper East Side".

The New York Times

But one company marched in with more than a dozen significant changes to a previously approved design.

The New York Times

The commission had previously approved 17 other cell phone towers and a 275-foot tower for an emergency communications system.

The New York Times

6) All swimsuits, even those previously approved by FINA, must be submitted to the independent testing team by March 31.

The New York Times

Mr. Jiang is berated for changing previously approved scenes and for failing to make previously demanded changes.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "previously approved" when referring to actions, plans, or items that have received formal authorization or consent in the past. It's particularly useful in legal, business, and academic contexts to establish a baseline of prior acceptance.

Common error

Avoid using "previously approved" when the approval is still active or valid. If the approval remains in effect, use "currently approved" or simply "approved" to avoid misleading the reader.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "previously approved" functions as an adjectival phrase modifying a noun. It indicates that the noun it modifies (e.g., plan, budget, design) has already undergone and received approval at some point in the past. Ludwig AI confirms this usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Science

21%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Academia

1%

Encyclopedias

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "previously approved" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to describe something that has received authorization in the past. Ludwig AI and the numerous examples provided clearly demonstrate its frequent use in news, scientific, and business contexts. While its formality is generally neutral to professional, its purpose is to convey that something has been vetted and authorized. When using the phrase, ensure that the approval is indeed from the past and that a formal approval process has occurred. Alternatives like "already authorized" or "formally endorsed" can be used for semantic variation. This analysis aims to provide a clear understanding of "previously approved" and its appropriate usage.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

already authorized

Focuses on the authorization aspect, emphasizing that permission is in place.

formally endorsed

Highlights the formal and official nature of the approval.

previously sanctioned

Emphasizes the authoritative aspect of the prior approval.

initially cleared

Stresses the initial stage of the approval process.

previously ratified

Implies a formal agreement or confirmation from a governing body.

historically validated

Emphasizes the validation process over time.

beforehand greenlit

Highlights that something received the go-ahead earlier.

previously okayed

Uses a more informal term for approval.

previously given the nod

An idiomatic alternative suggesting implicit approval.

previously rubber-stamped

Suggests approval without much scrutiny.

FAQs

How can I use "previously approved" in a sentence?

You can use "previously approved" to describe something that has been formally accepted or authorized at an earlier time. For example, "The company decided to move forward with the "previously approved" budget."

What are some alternatives to "previously approved"?

Alternatives to "previously approved" include phrases like "already authorized", "formally endorsed", or "previously sanctioned". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it ever incorrect to use "previously approved"?

Yes, avoid using "previously approved" if the approval is still current. In such cases, "currently approved" or simply "approved" may be more appropriate. Additionally, ensure that a formal approval process actually occurred before using the phrase.

What's the difference between "previously approved" and "initially approved"?

"Initially approved" emphasizes the starting point of the approval process, while "previously approved" simply indicates that the approval happened at some point in the past. "Initially approved" might suggest that further approvals or modifications occurred later.