we approve of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "we approve of" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when expressing agreement or support for a particular idea, action, or proposal. Example: "After reviewing the project proposal, we approve of the suggested changes and look forward to implementation."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

We approve of his low-tech cool.

The Guardian - Film

But do we approve of those things?

The New Yorker

We approve of creativity in web domains.

The Guardian

"We approve of what she's trying to do".

The New York Times

But a lot of it can be damaging even if we approve of the assignments themselves.

The New York Times

At the same time, he was fighting the Nazis, and we approve of that, right?

The New Yorker

"The grooming is strong," we enthuse, adding that we approve of his "relaxed, unkempt stubble".

The Guardian - Sport

In a larger view, should we approve of our taxpayer dollars being spent in this way?

The Guardian - Opinion

We approve of what is good for the group – our group.

The Guardian - Books

We approve of the all-over title which Eugene O'Neill has given his new cycle of nine plays.

The New Yorker

When we approve of a political or judicial outcome, we tend to say that "the system worked".

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "we approve of", ensure the context is clear about who 'we' refers to. This avoids ambiguity and strengthens the message.

Common error

While grammatically correct, "we approve of" can sound overly formal in casual conversations. Opt for alternatives like "we like" or "we're good with" in informal settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we approve of" functions as a declarative statement indicating agreement, endorsement, or satisfaction. As Ludwig AI exemplifies, it’s often used to express formal approval of actions, ideas, or policies.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

56%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "we approve of" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression to indicate agreement or endorsement, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. While versatile, it tends to lean towards a neutral to formal register, making it particularly suitable for professional and news-related contexts. When writing, ensure the referent of 'we' is unambiguous to avoid confusion. For more informal settings, consider alternatives such as "we like" or "we're okay with". The authoritative sources like The Guardian, The New Yorker and The New York Times, according to Ludwig data, frequently employ this phrase.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we endorse

Replaces "approve" with a more formal synonym, suggesting official support.

we support

Indicates active backing and encouragement, rather than simple agreement.

we are in favor of

Emphasizes a positive inclination toward something, expressing preference.

we are all for

Suggests enthusiastic agreement and full support.

we commend

Highlights praiseworthy aspects, adding a layer of admiration to the approval.

we concur with

Expresses agreement with a statement or viewpoint.

we give our blessing to

Implies an authoritative approval, often used in formal or ceremonial contexts.

we are pleased with

Shows satisfaction alongside approval, indicating a positive emotional response.

we ratify

Implies formal validation or confirmation, suitable for official decisions.

we sanction

Indicates official permission or authorization, often used in legal or governmental contexts.

FAQs

How can I use "we approve of" in a sentence?

Use "we approve of" to express agreement or endorsement. For example, "We approve of the new company policy" indicates the speaker supports the policy.

What are some alternatives to "we approve of"?

You can use alternatives like "we endorse", "we support", or "we are in favor of" depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is "we approve of" formal or informal?

"We approve of" is generally considered a formal expression. In informal contexts, phrases like "we like it" or "we're okay with it" may be more appropriate.

What does "we approve of" imply?

"We approve of" implies that the speaker or group finds something satisfactory, acceptable, or commendable. It suggests a positive judgment or endorsement.