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Prepositions after adjectives

Approved for, approved by, or approved of?

Approved for, approved by, and approved of are all standard, but they express different relationships.

Quick answer

What do these approved patterns mean?

Use approved for for a purpose or user group, approved by for the authority giving approval, and approved of for something considered acceptable.

The drug is approved for adult patients.
The plan was approved by the board.
Her parents approved of the decision.

Choose the pattern by meaning

These forms are not interchangeable. Choose the construction by meaning, not by which preposition appears most often.

1
approved for + use/purpose

Showing intended use

Use for to describe the purpose, condition, or audience.

The equipment is approved for industrial use.
2
approved by + authority

Naming who gave approval

Use by before the organisation or person granting approval.

The proposal was approved by senior management.
3
approved of + thing

Expressing a positive opinion

Approved of means considered acceptable or desirable.

They approved of the new policy.

See the difference in context

The same subject can take different constructions because each sentence answers a different question.

Construction
Example
Meaning
approved for
The vaccine is approved for children.
Accepted as suitable for a use or group.
approved by
The budget was approved by the committee.
Shows the authority that gave approval.
approved of
She approved of the changes.
Had a favourable opinion of something.

Common mistakes

Some combinations appear in real text but do not mean what learners often assume.

Confusing by and of

By identifies the approver, while of expresses opinion.

✕ The manager approved of the committee. ✓ The plan was approved by the committee.

Using approved for with people giving permission

For refers to purpose or use, not the approving authority.

✕ The project was approved for the director. ✓ The project was approved by the director.

Quick practice

Choose the expression that matches the intended meaning.

1. The medicine is approved ___ emergency treatment.
2. The changes were approved ___ the finance team.
3. Do you approve ___ this proposal?

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Frequently asked questions

Can approved by and approved of appear together?

Yes. A plan can be approved by a committee and approved of by employees.

Is approved for used in medical English?

Yes. It is common for medicines and treatments.

Does approved of always refer to opinions?

Yes. It expresses acceptance or approval in attitude or judgement.

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