subject to approval

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "subject to approval" is correct and usable in written English, and it often appears in contracts and other legal documents.
It implies that something is dependent upon another person or entity (such as a court or government) giving approval in order for it to become binding. For example: "This agreement shall become fully binding subject to approval from the state court."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

All orders subject to approval.

The New Yorker

Departures were subject to approval by managers.

The New York Times

Subject to approval of faculty in charge.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

It is subject to approval by a Federal judge.

The New York Times

President Bush's proposals are subject to approval by Congress.

The New York Times

The date is still subject to approval by Parliament.

The New York Times

The proposals are all subject to approval by Congress.

The New York Times

The capital plan is subject to approval by the Legislature.

The New York Times

The agreement is subject to approval by a bankruptcy judge.

The New York Times

All these agreements are subject to approval by Congress.

The New York Times

The settlement is subject to approval in Federal District Court.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "subject to approval", clearly state who or what entity needs to provide the approval. This avoids ambiguity and ensures clarity in contracts, agreements, or proposals.

Common error

Avoid stating only that something is "subject to approval" without specifying who must grant the approval. Always clarify the approving entity to prevent misunderstandings and ensure the condition is enforceable.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "subject to approval" functions as a qualifier or condition. Ludwig AI affirms its correctness. It indicates that a particular action, agreement, or decision is not final and is contingent upon receiving official consent or authorization from a designated authority.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Academia

24%

Formal & Business

33%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "subject to approval" is a versatile and widely used expression indicating that something requires official authorization before it can proceed. As highlighted by Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct and frequently appears in formal settings such as legal documents, business agreements, and academic proposals. When using this phrase, it's crucial to specify who grants the approval to avoid ambiguity. Alternatives like "contingent on approval" or "dependent on authorization" can be used depending on the specific nuance you want to convey. Remember, clarity is key to ensure your message is accurately understood.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

subject to permission

Replaces "approval" with a synonym emphasizing allowance.

contingent on approval

Emphasizes the dependence of something on the approval being granted.

dependent on authorization

Highlights the requirement of official permission for validity.

requiring endorsement

Focuses on the need for a formal expression of support or agreement.

requiring agreement

Highlights the need for all parties to concur.

pending ratification

Suggests that something is awaiting formal confirmation or validation.

needing clearance

Implies that something requires permission to pass through an official process.

dependent on sign-off

Focuses on the final authorization needed.

conditional on consent

Highlights the necessity of explicit agreement for something to proceed.

awaiting confirmation

Suggests that something is in a state of waiting for official verification.

FAQs

How do you use "subject to approval" in a sentence?

Use "subject to approval" to indicate that a decision, plan, or agreement needs to be officially approved before it can take effect. For instance, "The merger is "subject to approval" by the regulatory board."

What are some alternatives to "subject to approval"?

Alternatives include phrases such as "contingent on approval", "dependent on authorization", or "pending ratification", each carrying slightly different nuances depending on the context.

What's the difference between "subject to approval" and "conditional on approval"?

While both phrases indicate dependence on a subsequent approval, "subject to approval" is a more general term. "Conditional on approval" might emphasize that the entire arrangement hinges on that specific approval being granted.

Is it better to say "subject to the approval of" or simply "subject to approval"?

Using "subject to the approval of [entity]" provides more clarity and is often preferred in formal writing. However, "subject to approval" is acceptable if the approving entity is clear from the context. For example: "The findings were "subject to approval" based on broad consultations."