ratify them

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "ratify them" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where formal approval or confirmation of agreements, treaties, or documents is required. Example: "The committee voted unanimously to ratify them, ensuring that the new policies would take effect immediately."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

19 human-written examples

The delegates then ratify them -- usually unanimously.

The New York Times

Once the Canal treaties were signed, Bob set to work persuading senators to ratify them.

The New Yorker

The cabinet amended the laws by fiat, but was hoping a new Parliament would ratify them.

The New York Times

Specific international agreements remain off the table, largely because the US Senate won't ratify them.

The Guardian

The National Assembly will receive the results, and it is widely expected that it will ratify them.

The New York Times

But the mechanics of changing treaties and getting as many as 27 member states to ratify them will inevitably be slow-moving.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

36 human-written examples

The UN considers 36 treaties to be "close to universal" (meaning that more than 80% of countries have ratified them); in more than half the cases some ratifiers reserve the right not to apply them in full.In this section Cookie Monster crumbles Mightier than the words ReprintsIn theory, reservations are allowed only if they are compatible with the treaty's objective.

The Economist

Some two hundred countries have ratified them, including all the members of the United Nations.

The New Yorker

Before the vote today, committees held public votes on the prime minister's choices and lawmakers dutifully ratified them.

The New York Times

Allowing the language to be used officially remains a sensitive issue for Turkey, and Parliament can attach restrictions to the conventions before ratifying them.

The New York Times

Rajoy said EU treaties "apply only to member states that have agreed and ratified them, and if a part of one member state cleaves from the member state, it converts itself into a third part with relation to the EU".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "ratify them" when you want to emphasize formal approval, especially in the context of treaties, agreements, or constitutional amendments. It is particularly suitable for legal, political, or organizational settings.

Common error

Avoid using "ratify them" in everyday conversation or informal writing. Opt for simpler alternatives like "approve them" or "confirm them" to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

Ratify them functions as a transitive verb phrase where "ratify" is the verb and "them" is the direct object. It indicates the act of formally approving or validating something. Ludwig shows that it often appears in contexts involving agreements, treaties, or decisions needing formal approval.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

73%

Formal & Business

12%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Science

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "ratify them" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression for indicating formal approval, particularly in the context of agreements or treaties. Ludwig AI confirms the validity of this expression. It commonly appears in news and formal documents, suggesting a neutral to formal register. For less formal settings, consider alternatives like "approve them" or "confirm them". Be mindful of the context to ensure appropriate language usage.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

ratify those agreements

More specific, indicating explicit agreements are being approved.

approve them

Focuses on giving official permission or acceptance, slightly less formal.

endorse them

Implies public support and approval, adding a layer of recommendation.

validate them

Highlights confirming the accuracy or legitimacy of something.

confirm them

Emphasizes establishing the truth or correctness, a more general term.

sanction them

Suggests imposing a formal decree or penalty, shifting the context to authorization.

give them assent

Formal and emphasizes agreement or approval.

give them consent

Formal and stresses permission or approval.

authorize them

Stresses giving official permission for something to proceed.

legitimize them

Focuses on making something lawful or justifiable, adding a sense of legality.

FAQs

What does "ratify them" mean?

To "ratify them" means to give formal consent or approval to something, making it officially valid. This term is often used in the context of treaties, agreements, or constitutional amendments.

When is it appropriate to use "ratify them" in a sentence?

It's appropriate to use "ratify them" when discussing the formal approval process of agreements, treaties, or decisions, particularly in political, legal, or organizational contexts. For more casual situations, consider "approve them" or "confirm them".

What are some alternatives to "ratify them"?

Alternatives include "approve them", "endorse them", "validate them", or "confirm them", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey. Each of these carries a slightly different connotation regarding the level of formality and the nature of the approval.

Is "ratify them" formal or informal language?

"Ratify them" is generally considered formal language, suitable for official documents, news reports, and academic writing. In less formal settings, using a phrase like "approve them" may be more appropriate.