receiving green light

USAGE SUMMARY

"receiving green light" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It can be used to refer to receiving approval or permission to take action. For example, "After months of preparation, the project was finally given the green light, and we began work immediately."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

Only 3percentt of the schools considered received "green light" ratings, which means that the "school's written policies do not pose a serious threat to free speech".

Huffington Post

Purchases receiving a green light have included a handsome array of land considered environmentally sensitive, which can be recommended by any interested group in the state, including nonprofit organizations and private landholders.

The New York Times

Nine subjects received both psychotherapy and psychiatric medication, of whom 5 received bright green light and 4 received dim light.

BMC Psychiatry

Of the two potential Damon directing debuts, the untitled Damon-Krasinski project may be closer to receiving the green light.

The Guardian - Film

Given the often lengthy gap between a movie receiving a green light and its eventual release, the film industry can often be hideously uncool.

The Guardian - Film

Boston Scientific said it expects to close its $27 billion merger with Guidant within the next few days after receiving the green light from European Union antitrust regulators Tuesday.

The New York Times

In a remarkable 10-metre run, Albert bulldozed over three defenders before receiving the green light from the video referee to make it 18-10.

The Guardian - Sport

Two weeks later in mid-August, after receiving a green light from the ISI, Save the Children sent a handful of expatriate staff who had been staying in Bangkok back to Pakistan.

The Guardian

By seeking minority instead of controlling stakes, NTT DoCoMo expects greater ease in receiving a green light from regulators and legislators in various countries, who might be concerned about the possibility of foreign telecommunications companies gaining control of domestic companies that hold radio-spectrum licenses.

The New York Times

Receiving a green light were a $27 million lab outside Dresden that will use extremely high magnetic fields to study condensed matter and materials science; and a $105 million airplane that will investigate the high atmosphere and climate change.

Science Magazine

The prince ultimately proposed in London in early November after receiving the green light from both Queen Elizabeth II and Markle's parents.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Avoid overuse. While common, vary your language with synonyms like "getting approval" or "being given the go-ahead" to maintain reader engagement.

Common error

While "receiving green light" is acceptable in many contexts, it may be too informal for highly formal or academic writing. Consider more formal alternatives like "obtaining authorization" in those situations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "receiving green light" functions as a verb phrase indicating the action of being granted approval or permission to proceed with a plan, project, or activity. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "receiving green light" is a common and grammatically correct verb phrase used to indicate that approval or permission has been granted for a project, plan, or activity. It is suitable for a variety of contexts, ranging from news and media to science and business. While generally neutral in register, more formal alternatives may be preferred in certain academic or official settings. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is widely used and understood in English. Remember to use it effectively and consider varying your language with synonyms like "getting approval" or "being given the go-ahead" to maintain reader engagement.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Having the green light

Similar meaning, but uses a different verb form (having vs. receiving).

Being given the go-ahead

A more informal way of saying that permission has been granted. Retains the sense of forward motion.

Having the okay

A very informal and simple way of saying approval was granted.

Getting approval

Focuses on the act of obtaining approval rather than the process of receiving it. Less idiomatic.

Getting the thumbs up

An informal idiom indicating approval or agreement.

Obtaining authorization

Implies a more formal or official process than "receiving green light".

Securing permission

Emphasizes the effort involved in getting permission.

Gaining consent

Highlights the agreement or consent aspect of approval.

Winning endorsement

Suggests a stronger level of support than simple approval.

Being sanctioned

Implies official authorization, often by a governing body.

FAQs

What does "receiving green light" mean?

It means getting approval or permission to proceed with something, like a project or plan.

What can I say instead of "receiving green light"?

You can use alternatives like "getting approval", "obtaining authorization", or "being given the go-ahead" depending on the context.

Is "receiving green light" formal or informal?

It's generally considered to be a neutral phrase, suitable for most contexts. However, in very formal settings, alternatives like "obtaining authorization" might be more appropriate.

How to use "receiving green light" in a sentence?

Example: "The project is "receiving green light" after a thorough review of the budget and timeline."