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Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
Approval is sought
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
The phrase "approval is sought" is correct and usable in written English
You can use it when you are making a formal request for permission or acceptance for something, or when you are asking for agreement from an authority. For example: "The research proposal has been submitted and approval is sought from the Research Committee before proceeding."
✓ Grammatically correct
Science
News & Media
Formal & Business
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
10 human-written examples
Approval is sought.
News & Media
More approval is sought.
News & Media
A document on the mayor's policing and crime website states: "Following the mayoral consultation, approval is sought to purchase three water cannon with immediate effect.
News & Media
The advisory opinion, issued Nov. 30, does not address the Coney Island plan directly, but contends that an environmental impact review, a process that could take a year or more, is required for any change in public parkland to nonpark use, and must be completed before state approval is sought.
News & Media
The public will have their say on the plans before approval is sought for a similar project in Tywyn.
News & Media
Divorce takes place by mutual consent and legal approval is sought.
Wiki
Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources
Similar Expressions
49 human-written examples
Ethical approval was sought and approved by both the University of California at Berkeley (Approval #: 2011-01-2722) and the Ministry of Health in Cambodia through the Population Council.
The study was approved by the Lower Saxony State Office of Consumer Security and Food Safety (33-42502-05/950), the ethicapprovalval was sought from the University of Veterinary Medicine Hanover.
Science
Then parental approval was sought.
News & Media
Local ethical approval was sought from the NHS Health Research Authority (15/LO/2069).
Science & Research
Board approval was sought, but only after the key decisions had already been made.
News & Media
Expert writing Tips
✓ Best practice
Use "approval is sought" in formal documents, reports, or official communications where a request for permission or endorsement is being made.
⚠ Common error
Avoid using "approval is sought" in casual conversations or informal writing. Opt for simpler phrases like "we're asking for permission" or "we need approval" to maintain a natural tone.
Linguistic Context
The phrase "approval is sought" functions as a passive construction indicating a formal request for permission or endorsement. It is commonly used in official or professional contexts, as affirmed by Ludwig AI.
Expression frequency: Uncommon
✓ Frequent in
Science
40%
News & Media
30%
Formal & Business
30%
⚠ Less common in
Wiki
0%
Encyclopedias
0%
Social Media
0%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
In summary, "approval is sought" is a formal phrase used to indicate that a request for permission or endorsement is currently being processed. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct and best suited for professional, academic, or official contexts. While the phrase is functional, its use should be restricted to formal situations to maintain the appropriate tone, avoiding overuse in casual conversation. Related phrases, such as "permission is requested" or "authorization is requested", can offer suitable alternatives depending on the desired nuance.
Alternative expressions
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
authorization is requested
Uses a more formal synonym for approval, "authorization", implying official permission is needed.
permission is requested
Focuses on the aspect of gaining permission, making it slightly more direct and less bureaucratic.
consent is requested
Emphasizes agreement or assent, particularly applicable in ethical or medical contexts.
endorsement is desired
Suggests a wish for support or backing, rather than just simple approval.
clearance is being obtained
Implies a process of clearing obstacles or meeting requirements to get approval.
agreement is pursued
Highlights the effort to achieve accord or consensus, adding a sense of active pursuit.
More alternative expressions(6)
FAQs
How can I use "approval is sought" in a sentence?
Use "approval is sought" when you are formally requesting permission or endorsement for something. For example, "Before implementing the new policy, approval is sought from the board of directors."
What phrases are similar to "approval is sought"?
Similar phrases include "permission is requested", "authorization is requested", or "consent is requested" depending on the context. Each alternative carries a slightly different nuance regarding the type of permission or agreement needed.
Is "approval is sought" formal or informal?
"Approval is sought" is a formal expression. In more casual settings, consider using phrases like "we're asking for approval" or "we need permission."
What's the difference between "approval is sought" and "approval was sought"?
"Approval is sought" indicates that the request is currently in progress, whereas "approval was sought" implies that the request has already been made in the past.
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Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
82%
Authority and reliability
4.1/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested