approve of the plan

Meaning

This phrase means to have a positive opinion of a proposal or scheme, or to agree that it is good and acceptable. It carries a sense of personal agreement or moral endorsement, rather than just official authorization.

Examples

• My parents don't approve of the plan to buy a motorcycle.

  My parents don't approve of the plan to buy a motorcycle.

• The board of directors is likely to approve of the plan to expand overseas.

  The board of directors is likely to approve of the plan to expand overseas.

• She smiled, showing that she did indeed approve of the plan.

  She smiled, showing that she did indeed approve of the plan.

• Does your manager approve of the plan to work remotely from next month?

  Does your manager approve of the plan to work remotely from next month?

• Most neighbors approve of the plan to build a new park in the area.

  Most neighbors approve of the plan to build a new park in the area.

Common Mistakes

• ✗ I approve the plan to move next week.

  ✓ I approve of the plan to move next week.

  While 'approve the plan' means to give official authorization (like a manager signing a document), 'approve of the plan' means to think it is a good idea or morally acceptable.

• ✗ They do not approve on the plan.

  ✓ They do not approve of the plan.

  The correct preposition to use with 'approve' when expressing a positive opinion is 'of', not 'on'.

Related Expressions

Practice

• I asked my teacher, and she seems to ___ for our group project.

  💡 Think the proposal is a good idea.

  Show answer

  approve of the plan

• Even though it is risky, my business partner does ___.

  💡 Have a positive opinion of our strategy.

  Show answer

  approve of the plan