without approval

USAGE SUMMARY

"without approval" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to express the idea that a particular action or event should not take place unless it receives approval or permission from someone else. Example sentence: We cannot proceed with the project without approval from our supervisor.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

Renovating without approval can be risky.

The New York Times

They had travelled to Dora without approval.

The Guardian

FATONE -- For us, things would go out without approval.

The New York Times

Previously, senior officials could agree small contracts without approval.

The Guardian

Provincial governors can do little without approval from the capital.

The Economist

Such work could not continue without approval of, and preferably collaborative engagement with, traditional owners.

The Guardian

No one is allowed to fly in without approval from the military.

The New Yorker

It doesn't say that I've published classified information, just that I published without approval.

The New Yorker

"Redistricting maps passed by the Legislature may also take effect without approval from the federal government".

The Guardian

On Saturday, the mayor of Harare, the capital, was arrested for talking to constituents without approval.

The New York Times

They can be enacted through regulation, without approval by the Republican-led Congress.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing formally, ensure clarity by specifying whose approval is needed, such as "without board approval" or "without managerial approval."

Common error

Avoid phrasing that implies approval was sought when it wasn't. Instead of "They proceeded without approval, assuming it would be granted", state directly: "They proceeded without seeking approval."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "without approval" functions as a prepositional phrase, modifying a verb or noun to indicate the absence of authorization for an action or decision. As Ludwig AI indicates, this phrase is both grammatically correct and widely used. Examples from Ludwig illustrate its application in various contexts, from renovating property to sending out posts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

8%

Encyclopedias

3%

Social Media

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "without approval" is a grammatically sound and frequently used prepositional phrase that signifies the lack of authorization for an action. As Ludwig AI confirms, it’s appropriate in various contexts, ranging from news reports to formal business communications. When employing this phrase, ensure clarity by specifying whose approval is necessary. While alternatives like "unauthorized" and "without permission" exist, the specific choice depends on the context and desired nuance. Be mindful of potential implications and avoid implying that approval was sought when it wasn't.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

without permission

Replaces "approval" with the synonym "permission".

unauthorized

Directly states that the action was not permitted.

unapproved

A more concise, adjective form indicating lack of approval.

without consent

Focuses on the absence of agreement or assent.

without sanction

Indicates the absence of official endorsement or penalty.

lacking authorization

Emphasizes the absence of official permission or sanction.

on one's own authority

Specifies that the action was taken based on personal, not delegated, power.

independently

Highlights acting autonomously, not necessarily implying wrongness, but lack of oversight.

under one's own steam

Informal idiom indicating action without external help or permission.

off the record

Suggests actions taken privately or confidentially, outside of formal approval channels.

FAQs

How can I use "without approval" in a sentence?

You can use "without approval" to indicate that an action was taken without the necessary authorization. For example, "The project was initiated "without approval" from the board".

What's a formal alternative to "without approval"?

A more formal alternative to "without approval" is "lacking authorization". This phrase is suitable for professional or academic contexts.

Is it always negative to act "without approval"?

While "without approval" often implies a negative connotation, it can also describe situations where speed is necessary, though potentially risky. It's crucial to understand the implications of acting "without approval" in any given situation.

How does "without permission" compare to "without approval"?

"Without permission" is a close synonym for "without approval". The choice often depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey. "Approval" often suggests a more formal or official sanction than "permission".