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Prepositions with nouns

For approval vs of approval

"For approval" means something is being submitted to be approved. "Of approval" usually follows another noun, as in "a sign of approval."

Quick answer

How are these phrases used?

Use "for approval" when sending, presenting, or requesting something to be approved. Use "of approval" after nouns such as sign, gesture, or mark.

The contract was sent for approval yesterday.
She gave a nod of approval.
Please submit the budget for approval by Friday.

Choose the pattern by meaning

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

1
for approval

Submitting something to be approved

This phrase is common in business, administration, and formal communication.

The plans were forwarded for approval by the committee.
He submitted the proposal for approval.
2
noun + of approval

Describing a sign or expression of approval

Use "of approval" after nouns like sign, nod, smile, or gesture.

The audience gave a murmur of approval.
She noticed a look of approval on his face.
3
approval of + noun

Naming what is approved

Use "approval of" to identify the thing receiving approval.

The board announced its approval of the merger.
Public approval of the policy increased.

See the difference in context

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

Construction
Example
Meaning
for approval
The draft was submitted for approval.
Shows purpose: the item is waiting to be approved.
of approval
He gave a smile of approval.
Used after another noun to describe an approving reaction.
approval of
The minister confirmed approval of the project.
Names the thing that has been approved.
approval from
We need approval from the finance department.
Names the person or organisation giving approval.

Common mistakes

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

Using "of approval" without another noun

"Of approval" usually depends on a noun before it.

✕ The report was sent of approval. ✓ The report was sent for approval.

Confusing purpose with result

"For approval" means approval has not happened yet.

✕ The board announced for approval of the budget. ✓ The board announced approval of the budget.

Using the wrong preposition after "approval"

Use "approval of" for the thing approved and "approval from" for the source.

✕ We received approval of the director. ✓ We received approval from the director.

Quick practice

Choose the expression that matches the intended meaning.

1. The application was forwarded ___ approval.
2. She gave a quick nod ___ approval.
3. The committee announced approval ___ the proposal.

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Frequently asked questions

What does "for approval" mean?

It means something is being submitted, reviewed, or requested so that approval can be given.

Is "of approval" correct?

Yes, but usually only after another noun, such as "a sign of approval" or "a smile of approval."

What is the difference between "approval of" and "approval from"?

"Approval of" names the thing approved, while "approval from" names the person or group giving approval.

for, admission, of, admission "for adoption", "of adoption" or "to adoption"? "for answer" or "of answer"? for, at, after, to or before lunch? "for breakfast" or "after breakfast"? "for collection" or "of collection"? "for dad" or "with dad"? for, during, in, of or with period? "for enforcement" or "of enforcement"? "for examination" or "of examination"? "for generation" or "of generation"? "for guidance" or "of guidance"?

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