Meaning
to regard favorably; to think favorably of someone or something; to consider acceptable or good
Primary Function
expresses endorsement or moral acceptance
Communicative Purpose
to show agreement with an action, person, or idea
Pattern
approve of
Core Structure
approve of
Função primária
expresses endorsement or moral acceptance
Propósito comunicativo
to show agreement with an action, person, or idea
Situações de gatilho
parent‑child relationships (e.g., praising behavior), workplace ethics reviews, official approvals
Contextos
everyday conversation, professional settings, formal documents
Padrão
approve of
Estrutura central
approve of
Slots de substituição
[someone] or a person; [plan/behaviour/idea] representing the object being approved
Colocados típicos
- wholeheartedly
- strongly
- don’t really approve of
- officially
Substituições comuns
- endorse (often formal)
- condone (can imply tolerance)
- support (may suggest action backing)
Erros comuns
omitting ‘of’: *‘approve the plan’ can mean granting official permission rather than expressing personal opinion; using infinitive form like ‘approve to do’ which is ungrammatical in this context.
Similar / contraste
disapprove of, approve
Interferências
Learners may incorrectly use 'approve' directly with an object (e.g., 'approve someone') instead of the required preposition 'of' (e.g., 'approve of someone').
Família do chunk
- agree with
- endorse
- condone
- sanction
Nuance
Slightly formal but usable in both formal and informal contexts to express a favorable opinion.
Efeito pragmático
Signals the speaker's approval or positive stance toward the referent, often seeking alignment or validation from the interlocutor.
Dica de memória
Think of 'approving' as giving a thumbs‑up.
Nota
Used to express a favorable opinion about someone or something.
Upgrade path
endorse
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