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Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak quote

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak

CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com

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Approval is sought

Grammar usage guide and real-world examples

USAGE 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

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

Approval is sought.

More approval is sought.

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 Guardian

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 New York Times

The public will have their say on the plans before approval is sought for a similar project in Tywyn.

News & Media

BBC

Divorce takes place by mutual consent and legal approval is sought.

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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

BMC Cancer

Then parental approval was sought.

News & Media

The New York Times

Local ethical approval was sought from the NHS Health Research Authority (15/LO/2069).

Science & Research

Nature

Board approval was sought, but only after the key decisions had already been made.

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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.

Antonio Rotolo, PhD - Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

Antonio Rotolo, PhD

Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

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.

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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Source & Trust

82%

Authority and reliability

4.1/5

Expert rating

Real-world application tested

Most frequent sentences: