refuse to approve

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "refuse to approve" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase when someone is being asked to express an opinion or offer a recommendation in a formal or professional context, and the person is declining to do so. For example: "The committee member refused to approve the motion put forth by the chairman."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

43 human-written examples

If, prior to the signing of a merger agreement, a banker cannot provide a fairness opinion for the proposed purchase price, the special committee may decide to refuse to approve the transaction or could try to use the banker's refusal as leverage to try to negotiate a higher price or better terms from the bidder.

Columbia University

They might also refuse to approve the report and accounts.

The Guardian - Business

A ruling in Judge Rakoff's favor could embolden the judiciary to refuse to approve such settlements.

The New York Times

But unless Greece reduces its debt, the I.M.F. could still refuse to approve aid.

The New York Times

In that case, the F.D.A. cannot simply refuse to approve the new drug.

The New Yorker

As many developers have ruefully discovered, the company may simply refuse to approve your app product for no particular reason.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

17 human-written examples

The local HREC refused to approve the proposal.

Collegian

— refused to approve the Adhesiabloc plan.

The New York Times

But both players refused to approve the deal.

The New York Times - Sports

The Office of Management and Budget has been refusing to approve it.

The New York Times

In the meantime, our CFO refuses to approve any overtime.

Harvard Business Review

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "refuse to approve", ensure the subject has the authority or responsibility to grant approval. For instance, "The committee refused to approve the budget."

Common error

Avoid using "refuse to approve" when there is no formal process for approval. For example, it would be incorrect to say "I refuse to approve of the weather."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "refuse to approve" functions as a verb phrase, expressing a decision not to endorse or authorize something. Ludwig examples confirm its use in contexts where a formal approval process exists.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Academia

18%

Formal & Business

12%

Less common in

Science

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "refuse to approve" is a common and grammatically sound way to express the act of declining to endorse or authorize something. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is suitable for use in contexts where formal approval processes are in place. The phrase is frequently found in News & Media, Academia, and Formal & Business contexts, signaling disagreement or non-compliance. When writing, it's important to ensure that the subject has the legitimate authority to grant approval. Alternatives like "decline to endorse" or "withhold approval" can provide nuanced variations in meaning. Remember to reserve its use for scenarios where formal approval is required.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

decline to endorse

Implies a formal rejection of support or validation.

reject to sanction

Suggests a firm denial of permission or authorization.

withhold approval

Focuses on the act of not granting permission, often temporarily.

turn down to ratify

Emphasizes rejecting a formal agreement or decision.

decline to ratify

Similar to "turn down to ratify", but with a stronger emphasis on formal declination.

not give consent

Highlights the lack of agreement or permission.

object to authorize

Expresses opposition to granting official permission.

veto the agreement

Conveys a powerful rejection, often by someone in authority.

oppose the validation

Highlights disagreement with confirming or supporting something.

dissent from allowing

Indicates a formal disagreement with permitting something.

FAQs

How can I use "refuse to approve" in a sentence?

You can use "refuse to approve" to indicate a formal rejection or denial of something. For example, "The board of directors "refused to approve" the merger proposal."

What are some alternatives to "refuse to approve"?

Some alternatives include "decline to endorse", "reject to sanction", or "withhold approval". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it more formal to say "refuse to approve" or "decline to approve"?

Both phrases are relatively formal, but "decline to approve" might be considered slightly more polite or diplomatic than "refuse to approve", which can sound more direct.

What's the difference between "refuse to approve" and "abstain from approving"?

"Refuse to approve" indicates a direct rejection, while "abstain from approving" means choosing not to vote or express an opinion, neither supporting nor rejecting.