Used and loved by millions
Since I tried Ludwig back in 2017, I have been constantly using it in both editing and translation. Ever since, I suggest it to my translators at ProSciEditing.

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
we can approve
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
The phrase "we can approve" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when indicating that a group or team has the ability or authority to give approval for something. Example: "After reviewing the proposal, we can approve the budget for the upcoming project."
✓ Grammatically correct
News & Media
Science
Academia
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified examples from authoritative sources
Exact Expressions
8 human-written examples
Reflective endorsement theorists Korsgaard gives Hume and Butler as examples substitute the question, "are the claims of our moral nature good for human life?" for the question, "are moral claims true?" They identify a certain faculty for approval or disapproval as giving force to moral claims, and then ask whether, on reflection, we can approve of that faculty of approval itself.
Science
"Send us a Qatari or Turkish initiative that we can approve of right away".
News & Media
"The vehicle has been fitted with so much armor that its total weight exceeds what we can approve," said Bjorn Olberg, head of the motor-vehicle inspection station where the prime minister's staff took the car to be registered.
News & Media
"We can approve a borrower's request within three minutes.
News & Media
"It is expected, if there are no objections, that we can approve [the schedule] by November and then we can move forward," says ITER director general Bernard Bigot.
Science & Research
We can approve of ourselves, and with that mindset we will attract and generate the positive regard that we wish to have in our lives from others.
News & Media
Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources
Similar Expressions
52 human-written examples
The program director can approve additional courses.
Academia
Therefore they have to make films the Film Bureau can approve".
News & Media
The Senate can approve, disapprove or fail to act.
News & Media
The dentist can approve it or ask for modifications.
News & Media
Top school officials can approve exceptions to the mandatory expulsions.
News & Media
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
Use "we can approve" to indicate the ability to officially endorse, authorize, or accept something after careful consideration.
Common error
Avoid using "we can approve" if your team or group lacks the actual authority to do so. Ensure that the context aligns with the level of authority you possess; otherwise, it can mislead stakeholders.
Source & Trust
85%
Authority and reliability
4.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The phrase "we can approve" functions as a statement of capability, indicating that the speaker, along with others, possesses the authority or capacity to officially endorse or authorize something. Ludwig AI confirms this usage in its examples.
Frequent in
News & Media
40%
Science
30%
Academia
30%
Less common in
Formal & Business
0%
Encyclopedias
0%
Wiki
0%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
In summary, "we can approve" signifies the ability to officially endorse or authorize something, and it's considered grammatically correct. While not extremely frequent, it appears in various contexts, most commonly in news, scientific, and academic settings. As Ludwig AI confirms, it implies capability rather than a guarantee of approval. It’s crucial to use the phrase accurately, ensuring that the speaker truly possesses the described authority. When the situation requires, alternative phrases such as "we are able to ratify" or "we are authorized to endorse" may suit the context better. When using it make sure to define the authority for a more accurate communication.
More alternative expressions(6)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
we are able to ratify
Replaces "approve" with "ratify", which implies formal consent or validation.
we have the power to sanction
Substitutes "approve" with "sanction", suggesting formal authorization or endorsement, often with legal or official implications.
we are in a position to validate
Replaces "approve" with "validate", indicating confirmation of accuracy or legitimacy.
we are authorized to endorse
Replaces "can approve" with "are authorized to endorse", emphasizing the official permission to support or recommend.
we are permitted to pass
Substitutes "approve" with "pass", suggesting the formal acceptance or enactment of something, like a law or proposal.
it is within our power to consent to
Emphasizes the authority to give agreement or permission, replacing "approve" with a more formal expression.
we give the go-ahead
Replaces "approve" with an idiomatic expression meaning to give permission to start something.
we give our assent
Substitutes "approve" with "give our assent", a more formal way of expressing agreement or approval.
we are agreeable to
Replaces "approve" with "are agreeable to", indicating a willingness to accept or allow something.
we are amenable to
Substitutes "approve" with "are amenable to", suggesting openness and willingness to accept or consider something.
FAQs
What does "we can approve" mean?
The phrase "we can approve" indicates that a group or entity has the authority and ability to officially endorse, authorize, or accept something. It suggests a capacity to grant permission after a review or evaluation process.
What can I say instead of "we can approve"?
You can use alternatives like "we can authorize", "we can endorse", or "we can ratify" depending on the context.
When is it appropriate to use the phrase "we can approve"?
It's appropriate to use "we can approve" when the speaker is part of a group or organization that has the legitimate power to give official consent or permission. This is suitable in formal settings where authorization is required.
Is "we can approve" the same as "we will approve"?
No, "we can approve" indicates the ability to grant approval, while "we will approve" implies a promise or intention to do so. The former expresses capability, and the latter, a future action.
Editing plus AI, all in one place.
Stop switching between tools. Your AI writing partner for everything—polishing proposals, crafting emails, finding the right tone.
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
85%
Authority and reliability
4.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested