we approved that

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "we approved that" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that a decision or proposal has been accepted or confirmed by a group or individual. Example: "After reviewing the proposal, we approved that and will move forward with the project."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

It follows from Proposition 2.5 and the assumption that is the unique sunny nonexpansive retraction from to Subsequently, we approved that (3.15).

Fixed Point Theory and Applications

Furthermore, we approved that the mRNA expression of CCL2 and CXCL2 was also suppressed by pretreatment with XYXD.

BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine

Lastly, we approved that ROS accumulation was the main reason for increased aminoglycoside sensitivity in Bmi1−/− hair cells, both in vitro and in vivo, via the antioxidant NAC rescue experiments.

Cell Death and Disease

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

"She never approved that image.

The New Yorker

Who approved that line?

Huffington Post

The ethics committee specifically approved that procedure.

Plosone

If the board is not at the negotiating table the next time around, we will not approve that contract".

The New York Times

And then the next person submitted a licence plate to Texas and it said, 'Vote Democratic,' and Texas said, no, we're not going to approve that one.

The Economist

For, like Shaftesbury, Hutcheson holds the crucial feature of our moral evaluation to be that we approve affections that are irreducibly benevolent and other-directed, while condemning inappropriately selfish ones.

SEP

Congress should approve that assistance.

The New York Times

I approve that message.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "we approved that", ensure that the context clearly defines who "we" refers to, especially in formal documents or reports to avoid ambiguity. For example, specify "The committee approved that" for clarity.

Common error

While grammatically correct, "we approved that" can sound overly formal in casual conversation. Opt for more natural phrases like "we agreed to that" or "we were okay with that" in informal settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we approved that" functions as a statement of endorsement or sanction. It indicates that a decision, plan, or proposal has been formally accepted by a group. According to Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct and suitable for various contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

33%

Formal & Business

17%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "we approved that" is a grammatically correct and usable expression indicating formal endorsement or sanction. Ludwig indicates that this phrase commonly appears in news, scientific, and business contexts, making it suitable for professional and formal communications. While it's acceptable in many situations, consider using more informal alternatives like "we agreed to that" in casual conversations to maintain a natural tone. To enhance clarity, always specify who the "we" refers to within the context. Overall, the phrase is a reliable choice for expressing formal approval in various settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we authorized that

Replaces "approved" with "authorized", implying a more formal or official endorsement.

we sanctioned that

Uses "sanctioned" instead of "approved", suggesting official permission or endorsement, possibly with a sense of enforcement.

we ratified that

Substitutes "approved" with "ratified", indicating a formal confirmation or validation, often in legal or political contexts.

we endorsed that

Replaces "approved" with "endorsed", suggesting support or recommendation.

we validated that

Uses "validated" instead of "approved", emphasizing the confirmation of something's accuracy or legitimacy.

we confirmed that

Substitutes "approved" with "confirmed", implying that something was verified or made certain.

we gave our assent to that

Replaces "approved" with "gave our assent", which conveys agreement or approval in a more formal manner.

we greenlit that

Uses "greenlit" instead of "approved", a more informal term often used in business or entertainment to signify that a project is allowed to proceed.

we gave the go-ahead for that

Replaces "approved" with "gave the go-ahead", indicating permission or authorization to proceed with something.

that received our approval

Rephrases the sentence to focus on the approval being received, rather than the act of approving.

FAQs

What can I say instead of "we approved that"?

You can use alternatives like "we authorized that", "we endorsed that", or "we confirmed that" depending on the context.

Is "we approved that" formal or informal?

The phrase "we approved that" is generally considered neutral to formal. While grammatically sound, it's less common in very casual conversation and more suited for professional, academic, or news-related contexts.

How to use "we approved that" in a sentence?

Ensure clarity by specifying who "we" refers to. For example, "The board approved that measure" is clearer than simply stating, "We approved that."

What's the difference between "we approved that" and "we agreed to that"?

"We approved that" suggests a formal endorsement or sanctioning, whereas "we agreed to that" implies a mutual understanding or consent, which is often less official.