without our approval

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "without our approval" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that an action or decision should not be taken unless it has been authorized or agreed upon by the relevant parties. Example: "No changes to the project can be made without our approval."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

"He did this without our approval".

The New York Times - Arts

"The system can be activated without our approval," he wrote.

The New York Times

"No figure, no table, anything goes in without our approval," Dr. Markowitz said.

The New York Times

The web is in a state of flux: on the one side, shadowy government agencies and enormous tech companies clamour to collect our personal data, with or without our approval.

The Guardian - Tech

But we can't symbolically tuck some forms of consensual sexual activity away from them on a high shelf any more than we can block them from loving however and whoever they wish – with or without our approval.

The Guardian - Opinion

That's tens of thousands of emails from regular people, collected without our approval, say-so or, indeed, knowledge.

TechCrunch

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

Without seeking our approval or condemnation, they try and explain in the offline world whether they stand by their strong online views.

The Guardian

You will not at any time dispose of any materials which could be relevant to a potential complaint without our prior approval.

Independent

You agree that you will not talk to any person about a complaint without our prior approval and will maintain confidence in the story before publication and, as far as is appropriate, after publication.

Independent

Both arguments fall into at least two stages: one to show that if we suppose the given character trait to exist and to win our approval without help from any cooperative social arrangement, paradoxes arise; and another, longer stage to explain how the relevant convention might have come into being and to refute those with a different genetic story.

SEP

You may not use any Guardian Content for any other purpose without our prior written approval.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "without our approval", ensure the context clearly indicates who "our" refers to, avoiding ambiguity. For example, specify the department or team whose approval is needed.

Common error

Avoid using "without our approval" when the approval of a larger, less defined group is needed. Be specific about whose approval is required, to prevent misinterpretations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "without our approval" functions as a prepositional phrase, typically modifying a verb or clause to indicate the absence of authorization or consent. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is correct and usable in written English. The examples illustrate its role in specifying when an action is illegitimate due to lacking proper permission.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Formal & Business

15%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Science

3%

Academia

2%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "without our approval" is a commonly used prepositional phrase indicating that an action has been taken or a decision has been made without the necessary authorization or consent. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability in various contexts. Analysis of numerous examples reveals that it is frequently employed in news and media, as well as in formal and business settings, to express disapproval or highlight procedural violations. When using this phrase, clarity is essential to avoid ambiguity, ensuring the context specifies who "our" refers to. Alternatives like "without our consent" or "without our authorization" can be used to adjust the level of formality. Avoiding vague references and specifying the entity whose approval is required will enhance communication and minimize potential misinterpretations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

without our consent

Replaces "approval" with "consent", emphasizing voluntary agreement.

without our authorization

Substitutes "approval" with "authorization", highlighting formal permission.

without our permission

Uses "permission" instead of "approval", focusing on allowing something to happen.

absent our endorsement

Uses "endorsement" instead of "approval", suggesting explicit support.

lacking our sanction

Replaces "approval" with "sanction", emphasizing official permission or penalty.

without our blessing

Substitutes "approval" with "blessing", implying a more benevolent or favorable sentiment.

without our okay

Uses a more informal term, "okay", in place of "approval".

against our wishes

Focuses on the disregard for our desires or preferences.

unbeknownst to us

Shifts focus to lack of knowledge rather than explicit approval.

without notifying us

Emphasizes the failure to inform, rather than the lack of approval.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "without our approval" to sound more formal?

To achieve a more formal tone, consider using phrases such as "without our authorization" or "absent our endorsement". These options convey a stronger sense of official permission and support.

Is it always necessary to specify whose approval is needed when using "without our approval"?

Yes, specifying whose approval is necessary is crucial for clarity. Ambiguity can lead to misunderstandings and unauthorized actions. Clearly state the entity or individual whose approval is required.

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

For a less formal alternative, you could use "without our okay" or "without our go-ahead". These options are suitable for more casual settings.

How does "without our approval" differ from "without our consent"?

"Without our consent" emphasizes voluntary agreement, while "without our approval" focuses on a more formal endorsement or permission. Consent highlights the willingness to allow something, while approval suggests an evaluation and acceptance of something.