ratify

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "ratify" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is a verb that means to approve or confirm by expressing consent, consent in writing, or by formal action. Example: The treaty was signed by all parties and later ratified by Congress.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Palestinian officials believe that – in the first instance – they require only a straight majority under Fifa rules with 75% being required to ratify and renew a suspension.

The Guardian

After pushing the AIB into a corner, Lenihan also ensured that legislation that would tax new bank bonuses by more than 90% would be incorporated into the bill that will ratify the IMF/ECB multibillion-euro package.

The Guardian

Seriously: players who got suspended in Week 11 will all play in week 12 because the committee will not meet on Friday to ratify their suspensions.

The Guardian - Sport

The first act of the new Australian government was to ratify the Kyoto Protocol.

The Guardian - Opinion

While Bangladesh was the first nation to ratify the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control in 2004 and adopted a Smoking and Tobacco Products Usage/Control Act in 2005, it has proved difficult to implement cigarette taxes, public smoking bans, and advertising restrictions – smoking rates remain the highest in South Asia.

The Guardian

If the issue is not resolved by the time Ireland goes to the polls to ratify the EU fiscal compact, voters might be tempted to use the referendum to protest against the tax.

The Guardian

The Greens are planning to hold a delegate conference to ratify what will be one of the harshest budgets in modern Irish history.

The Guardian

The stakes will not be higher when (it is no longer a question of if) the Irish go to the polls to ratify any new EU treaty coming out of last week's meeting in Brussels.

The Guardian

All 25 EU member countries must ratify the constitution for it to take effect.

The Guardian

Ireland will re-run the Lisbon referendum in October, and so far all the opinion polls have indicated that this time around Irish voters will ratify the treaty.

The Guardian

Obama is seeking "fast track" authority that would let him present Congress with proposed trade agreements it can ratify or reject, but not amend.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "ratify" when referring to the formal approval of treaties, contracts, or other official agreements. Ensure the subject performing the ratification has the proper authority.

Common error

Avoid using "ratify" in contexts where simple agreement or approval is sufficient. "Ratify" implies a formal, often legal or governmental, process.

Linguistic Context

The word "ratify" functions as a transitive verb, requiring a direct object. It denotes the act of giving formal consent to something, making it officially valid. Ludwig examples show it used in contexts such as treaties, legislation, and agreements. According to Ludwig AI, the usage of this word is correct.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Formal & Business

22%

Science

10%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "ratify" is a verb signifying formal approval or validation, primarily used in contexts requiring official consent such as legal agreements, treaties, and organizational decisions. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage. The phrase is most frequently found in news and media sources, reflecting its importance in reporting on government and international affairs. Related terms include "approve", "endorse", and "validate", though "ratify" carries a stronger connotation of formality and official sanction. When using "ratify", ensure the context calls for a formal, legally binding action.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

ratify formally

Adds emphasis to the formality of the approval process.

approve

Emphasizes general agreement or positive sentiment, less formal than "ratify".

endorse

Suggests public support or recommendation, often implying a degree of enthusiasm.

validate

Focuses on confirming the accuracy or legitimacy of something.

sanction

Implies official permission or authorization, sometimes with a legal or regulatory connotation.

authorize

Highlights the granting of official power or right to do something.

confirm

Focuses on verifying the truth or accuracy of something, making it definite.

legitimize

Focuses on making something lawful or acceptable.

give consent to

Highlights the act of agreeing or permitting something.

give the stamp of approval to

Uses an idiomatic expression indicating strong and official endorsement.

FAQs

How is "ratify" typically used in a sentence?

The verb "ratify" is typically used to describe the act of formally approving or validating an agreement, treaty, or other document. For example, "The Senate voted to "ratify" the treaty."

What are some synonyms for "ratify"?

Synonyms for "ratify" include "approve", "endorse", "validate", and "confirm". The best choice depends on the context and level of formality required.

What is the difference between "ratify" and "approve"?

"Approve" is a more general term for agreeing to something. "Ratify" implies a formal and official confirmation, often by a governing body or authorized entity. "Ratifying" something makes it officially valid.

In what contexts would I use "ratify" over another word for approval?

Use "ratify" when the context involves legal documents, international treaties, or constitutional amendments requiring formal consent. For less formal situations, words like "agree to" or "accept" may be more appropriate.