sanctioned it

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "sanctioned it" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to the act of officially approving or allowing something to happen. Example: "The committee sanctioned it after a thorough review of the proposal."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

53 human-written examples

The Independent Monitoring Commission, set up to check on paramilitary activity by both Republicans and Unionists, said its investigation into the $50 million Belfast bank robbery in December led it to conclude that the I.R.A was behind it and that senior members of its political wing, Sinn Fein, sanctioned it.

The New York Times

It was absolutist in its rejection of the past, as were those who sanctioned it.

Huffington Post

The marriage caused a great scandal in Belgium, as its citizens were shocked that the Church had not only sanctioned it, but also allowed Caroline to remain at his bedside, even when the priest was present.

Wikipedia

There couldn't possibly be any other reason besides politics that over 100 groups outside of Burma are working for its democracy and that the United States and the European Union have sanctioned it, could there?

Huffington Post

"The government sanctioned it.

The New York Times

They approved it, they sanctioned it".

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

7 human-written examples

The government was duty-bound to sanction it.

The New Yorker

Tykwer is prepared to sanction it, but does not want to direct it.

The Guardian - Film

But then he thought about it some more and concluded it would be "silly" for David Moyes to sanction it.

The Guardian - Sport

You can't bomb away that knowledge any more than you can sanction it away".

The Guardian

It was successful in the United States, but after three years the international federation refused to sanction it.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "sanctioned it" when you want to emphasize formal approval or authorization, especially in contexts involving organizations, governments, or other authoritative bodies. Ensure the subject granting the sanction is clear.

Common error

Avoid using "sanctioned it" when describing informal approvals or agreements. "Sanctioned" implies a level of formality and authority that may be inappropriate in casual contexts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "sanctioned it" functions as a verb phrase, indicating that an action or proposal has been officially approved or authorized by someone in a position of authority. As confirmed by Ludwig, this phrase aligns with standard grammar rules and is appropriate for formal communication.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Wiki

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "sanctioned it" is a grammatically sound and commonly used verb phrase indicating official approval or authorization. According to Ludwig, the phrase is correct and usable in written English, particularly in contexts involving formal organizations, governments, or authoritative bodies. It's most frequently found in news and media sources, although it can also appear in formal business contexts. When using "sanctioned it", ensure that the subject granting the sanction is clear and that the level of formality is appropriate for the situation. Alternatives like "approved it" or "authorized it" can be used depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

approved it

Emphasizes agreement or acceptance, often by a group or authority.

authorized it

Suggests formal permission granted by someone with the power to do so.

endorsed it

Implies public support and approval, often used in the context of campaigns or movements.

validated it

Focuses on confirming or proving the legitimacy or correctness of something.

ratified it

Highlights formal confirmation or approval, especially of a treaty or agreement.

gave it the green light

An idiomatic expression meaning to give permission for something to proceed.

signed off on it

Indicates official approval, often involving a signature or other formal acknowledgement.

cleared it

Suggests that something has passed through a necessary review or approval process.

licensed it

Highlights granting a license to permit an activity or creation.

permitted it

Indicates allowance or authorization for something to happen.

FAQs

How is "sanctioned it" typically used in a sentence?

The phrase "sanctioned it" is typically used to indicate that an authority or governing body has officially approved or permitted something. For example, "The council "sanctioned it" after a thorough review of the plans".

What are some alternatives to using "sanctioned it"?

You can use alternatives like "approved it", "authorized it", or "endorsed it" depending on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is "sanctioned it" appropriate for informal contexts?

No, "sanctioned it" is generally more appropriate for formal contexts where official approval or authorization is being discussed. In informal situations, alternatives like "approved it" or "agreed to it" might be more suitable.

What's the difference between "sanctioned it" and "permitted it"?

"Sanctioned it" implies a more formal and authoritative approval, often by a governing body or organization. "Permitted it" suggests simply allowing something to happen, without necessarily implying formal endorsement or approval.