stamp of approval

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "stamp of approval" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is usually used to mean a sign of approval, usually given by a person in a position of authority. For example: After months of hard work, the project finally received the stamp of approval from the board of directors.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Aurobindo's version, without the WHO stamp of approval, costs £128.

The Guardian

Fewer strings, easier chord positions, the George Harrison stamp of approval.

The New York Times

Kardashian stamp of approval and then some!

Huffington Post

You weren't just a rubber stamp of approval.

Huffington Post

No Rabbinic stamp of approval; no egg for me.

Huffington Post

Michelle Obama herself gave the sweet tweet her stamp of approval.

HuffPost

I felt that the teenage girl stamp of approval was just what I needed.

Huffington Post

Out with the old Stamp of approval?

The Economist

No stamp of approval or oversight required.

The Washington Post

Without a stamp of approval, the deal was effectively dead.

The New York Times

Such an official stamp of approval is unlikely.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "stamp of approval" when you want to emphasize that something has been officially approved or validated by a recognized authority or figure.

Common error

Avoid using "stamp of approval" in very informal settings where a simpler expression like "thumbs up" or "okay" would be more appropriate. The phrase carries a sense of formality that might feel out of place.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "stamp of approval" functions as a noun phrase, typically acting as the object of a verb or the complement of a preposition. As confirmed by Ludwig, it signifies official or authoritative endorsement.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "stamp of approval" is a very common noun phrase used to indicate that something has received official authorization or endorsement. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and widely used. Predominantly found in "News & Media", it conveys legitimacy and acceptance. While alternatives like "seal of approval" and "endorsement" exist, "stamp of approval" carries a specific connotation of formal validation. When writing, it's best to reserve this phrase for situations where you want to emphasize official recognition and authority.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

seal of approval

Replaces "stamp" with "seal", conveying a similar sense of official endorsement.

endorsement

A more concise term for indicating support or approval.

validation

Focuses on the act of confirming or verifying something's worth.

accreditation

Implies that someone or something meets a required standard or benchmark.

green light

An idiomatic expression indicating permission to proceed.

thumbs up

An informal expression of approval or agreement.

imprimatur

A formal term indicating authorization or sanction.

blessing

Implies a positive endorsement or support, often with a sense of goodwill.

official sanction

Highlights the official or formal nature of the approval.

positive feedback

Focuses on the favorable response received.

FAQs

How can I use "stamp of approval" in a sentence?

You can use "stamp of approval" to indicate that something has received official authorization or endorsement. For instance, "The project received the "stamp of approval" from the board".

What can I say instead of "stamp of approval"?

You can use alternatives like "seal of approval", "endorsement", or "validation" depending on the context.

What does it mean to give something a "stamp of approval"?

Giving something a "stamp of approval" means officially endorsing or authorizing it, implying that it meets certain standards or requirements.

Is there a difference between "stamp of approval" and "mark of approval"?

While both phrases convey a similar meaning, "stamp of approval" often suggests a more formal or official endorsement than "mark of approval", which can be a more general sign of acceptance.