show approval

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "show approval" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is typically used in the context of someone expressing their approval or acceptance of something. For example, "The headmaster showed approval for the new student council policy."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

22 human-written examples

They had to snap their fingers to show approval.

The New York Times

Do the local limbo: when a local walks by, shimmy aggressively to show approval.

The Guardian

Show approval when they occasionally throw off the fetters and are a bit naughty.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Polls show approval of Alexander Haig and disapproval of Caspar Weinberger.

The New Yorker

Opinion polls in Romania show approval ratings of 80percentt and higher for the United States.

The New York Times

Polls show approval ratings for the economy on a par with the rest of his dismal numbers.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

36 human-written examples

The most recent one showed approval at 89 percent, he said.

The New York Times

And as to showing approval, there are various ways, including saying an effusive thank you, which is something people who are already being paid properly always appreciate.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Given this, adherence to the tenets and rituals of the faith is demanded, and shown approval by the family, wider community, and (it is hoped) the almighty.

The Guardian - Business

Since news of the shooting broke, Kawamoto's comment has been "upvoted" (Reddit's method of showing approval) more than three thousand times.

The New Yorker

A new Gallup poll, out on Monday morning, showed approval of same-sex marriage at fifty-three per cent, tying the highest level so far.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When aiming for clarity, directly state the object or action being approved. For instance, "show approval for the proposed budget" provides more context than simply "show approval".

Common error

Avoid phrasing like "approval was shown", which can sound indirect and weaken your message. Instead, use active voice: "the committee showed approval".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "show approval" functions as a verb phrase, where "show" is the verb indicating the action and "approval" is the noun representing the object of the action. Ludwig AI validates its correct usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Science

20%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "show approval" is a commonly used and grammatically sound phrase for expressing agreement or support. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage across various contexts, particularly in news, media, and scientific domains. While neutrally toned, more formal alternatives like "express endorsement" exist for sophisticated settings. When employing the phrase, prioritize direct language, clearly indicating what is being approved to maximize clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

indicate acceptance

Focuses on signaling that something is being received or agreed to.

express endorsement

Implies a more formal and explicit way of showing approval.

signal approbation

More formal and sophisticated way to express approval.

voice agreement

Stresses the vocal or explicit declaration of agreeing with something.

demonstrate support

Focuses on providing backing or aid, rather than just agreement.

convey affirmation

Suggests a strong and confident expression of agreement.

register consent

Highlights the act of formally giving permission or agreement.

offer validation

Highlights the act of confirming or substantiating something.

give the nod

Informal way of saying to give permission or approval.

thumbs up

A very informal and direct way of showing approval.

FAQs

How can I use "show approval" in a sentence?

You can use "show approval" to describe actions that indicate agreement or support. For example, "The audience clapped to "show approval" of the performance."

What are some alternatives to "show approval"?

Alternatives include "express endorsement", "demonstrate support", or "indicate acceptance", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "show approval" or "give approval"?

Both "show approval" and "give approval" are correct, but they have slightly different meanings. "Give approval" typically implies granting permission, while "show approval" suggests expressing support or agreement. Choose the one that best fits your intended meaning.

How formal is the phrase "show approval"?

The phrase "show approval" is relatively neutral in tone and suitable for both formal and informal contexts. However, in very formal settings, you might opt for a more sophisticated synonym like "signal approbation".