waiting for approval

USAGE SUMMARY

"waiting for approval" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when someone is expecting permission or sanction from another person or group before they proceed with an action. For example: "The construction workers had to wait for approval from the town council before they could start work."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"Apligraf is still waiting for approval and faces stiff competition even if it is approved," warns Kopin.

Forbes

We're waiting for approval.

The Washington Post

He is still waiting for approval from the interior ministry.

The Economist

"There are thousands of cases waiting for approval," he said.

The New Yorker

They are waiting for approval of their lease application on a new apartment.

The New York Times

The special forces were still waiting for approval to deploy from the Iraqi government, Defence said.

The Guardian

"Contracts just sat on his desk waiting for approval for six or seven months sometimes".

The New York Times

Northrop is still waiting for approval of its TRW deal from Pentagon and antitrust officials.

The New York Times

However, the draft is now waiting for approval for the attorney general's office.

The Guardian

Fourteen are waiting for approval, including corn, tomatoes, cotton and beets.

The New York Times

"No owner in their right mind is going to keep an apartment vacant while waiting for approval," he said.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "waiting for approval", clearly specify who or what is providing the approval to avoid ambiguity. For example, "waiting for approval from the FDA".

Common error

Instead of saying "The document is waiting for approval", use a more direct and active voice: "We are waiting for the committee to approve the document".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "waiting for approval" functions as a participial phrase, often acting as an adjective modifying a noun or pronoun. It describes a state of anticipation or suspension pending a decision. Ludwig AI confirms its common usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "waiting for approval" is a common and grammatically sound way to express the state of anticipation before receiving permission, sanction or authorization. Ludwig AI's analysis indicates that it's most frequently used in news and media, but it also appears in scientific and formal business contexts. When using this phrase, it's beneficial to clearly specify who or what is providing the approval. Be aware of potentially passive voice constructions, and opt for more direct phrasing when possible. Consider contextually appropriate alternatives, like "pending authorization" or "awaiting endorsement", to add nuance and clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

pending authorization

Substitutes "approval" with "authorization", suggesting a more official or legalistic sanction is required.

awaiting endorsement

Replaces "approval" with "endorsement", implying a more formal or public expression of support.

requiring sanction

Highlights the necessity of official permission, particularly when dealing with rules or regulations.

expecting validation

Highlights the need for verification or confirmation of the correctness or legitimacy of something.

seeking clearance

Replaces the entire phrase with a more concise expression that emphasizes the need to pass a security check or other obstacle.

subject to ratification

Indicates that the final step involves formal validation or confirmation, often in a legal or political context.

depending on confirmation

Emphasizes the uncertainty and reliance on a future confirmation.

under review

Focuses on the process of evaluation rather than the anticipation of a positive outcome.

awaiting the green light

Uses an idiomatic expression to convey the idea of waiting for permission to proceed.

needing the go-ahead

Similar to "awaiting the green light", this phrase is slightly less formal.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "waiting for approval"?

Consider alternatives such as "pending authorization", "awaiting endorsement", or "under review" depending on the specific context.

Is it better to say "waiting for approval" or "awaiting approval"?

Both are grammatically correct and widely used. "Awaiting approval" is slightly more formal, while "waiting for approval" is more common in everyday language.

What does it mean to be "waiting for approval"?

It means that a decision or permission is required from someone in authority before an action can proceed. The outcome is uncertain, and the process is ongoing.

How long should I wait before following up on something "waiting for approval"?

The appropriate follow-up time depends on the context and the urgency of the matter. Generally, wait a reasonable amount of time (e.g., a week or two) and then politely inquire about the status.