Hey guys! Ever get tripped up on the difference between "approval" and "approved"? You're not alone! These words are super common, but knowing exactly how to use them can make your writing and speaking way more clear and professional. Let's break it down in a way that's easy to remember. We'll look at what each word means, how they function grammatically, and throw in some examples to really nail it down. By the end of this article, you'll be a pro at using "approval" and "approved" correctly. Let's dive in!

What Does "Approval" Mean?

Let's kick things off by understanding approval. Approval, at its core, is a noun. This means it's a thing – specifically, the act of approving something, or the state of being approved. Think of it as the green light, the thumbs-up, or the official okay. It represents the positive judgment or permission given for something to proceed. When you seek approval, you're essentially asking for someone to say, "Yes, this is good to go!" In many contexts, approval carries significant weight. For example, imagine a company launching a new product. Before it hits the shelves, it needs to go through various stages of testing and review. Each stage requires approval from different departments – engineering, marketing, legal, and so on. Without this approval, the product cannot be released. Similarly, in governmental processes, approval from legislative bodies is often necessary for laws to be enacted or budgets to be passed. This ensures that decisions are vetted and deemed acceptable by the appropriate authorities. Consider, too, the realm of personal relationships. While we might not use the word "approval" explicitly, the concept is often present. We seek approval from our parents, partners, or friends for major life decisions. This isn't necessarily about seeking permission, but rather about gaining support and validation for our choices. The absence of approval can sometimes lead to conflict or uncertainty. In short, approval is about consent, permission, and validation. It's a crucial element in many aspects of our lives, from professional endeavors to personal relationships. Understanding its significance helps us navigate these situations more effectively.

What Does "Approved" Mean?

Now, let's switch gears and explore the meaning of approved. Approved, unlike approval, is an adjective. This means it describes something. Specifically, it describes something that has received approval. It indicates that a process has been completed, a decision has been made, and a positive verdict has been rendered. Think of it as the stamp of validation, the official seal of acceptance. Something that is approved has met the necessary criteria and has been deemed satisfactory. The term approved often implies that a certain standard has been met or a set of requirements has been fulfilled. For instance, a approved medication has undergone rigorous testing and has been deemed safe and effective by regulatory agencies. An approved building plan has been reviewed by the relevant authorities and has been found to comply with building codes and safety regulations. In the business world, approved expenses are those that have been authorized by a manager or finance department. These expenses are considered legitimate and are eligible for reimbursement. Similarly, approved vendors are those that have been vetted and deemed reliable by a company's procurement team. Using approved vendors ensures that the company is working with reputable suppliers who can provide quality goods or services. In everyday life, we encounter the term approved in various contexts. An approved loan application means that the bank has agreed to lend you money. An approved leave request means that your manager has granted you time off from work. An approved school means that it has met the standards set by the relevant accreditation body. The concept of being approved provides assurance and confidence. It signifies that something has been vetted, evaluated, and deemed acceptable. When we see the word approved, we can generally trust that a certain level of quality or compliance has been met. Understanding the meaning of approved helps us interpret information accurately and make informed decisions.

Key Grammatical Differences

The grammatical difference between approval and approved is crucial for using them correctly. Approval, as we've established, is a noun. This means it functions as a subject, object, or complement in a sentence. You can use it to name a concept, thing, or idea. For example:

• "The project needs approval from the manager."
• "Gaining approval was more difficult than expected."
• "Her approval is essential for the plan to succeed."

In each of these sentences, approval acts as a noun, representing the concept of being approved. You'll often see it used with articles (a, an, the) or possessive pronouns (his, her, their). On the other hand, approved is an adjective. It modifies nouns, providing more information about them. It describes the state of being approved. For example:

• "This is an approved method."
• "We only use approved vendors."
• "The approved budget is sufficient."

In these sentences, approved describes the method, vendors, and budget. It tells us that these things have already received approval. You'll often see approved placed directly before the noun it modifies. A common mistake is using approval when you should use approved, and vice versa. For instance, saying "approved from the manager" is incorrect because approved is an adjective and doesn't fit in that context. The correct phrasing is "approval from the manager." Similarly, saying "an approval method" is incorrect because approval is a noun and needs an adjective to describe the method. The correct phrasing is "an approved method." Understanding these grammatical differences will help you avoid common errors and use these words with confidence. Remember, approval is a thing (a noun), and approved describes a thing (an adjective).

Examples to Show the Difference

To really solidify your understanding, let's look at some examples showing the difference between approval and approved. Seeing these words in context will help you internalize their meanings and usage. Consider these scenarios:

1. Project Proposals:

   • Incorrect: "The approved of the project is pending."
   • Correct: "The approval of the project is pending."
   • Correct: "The project is approved."

   In the first correct sentence, approval is used as a noun, referring to the act of approving the project. In the second correct sentence, approved is used as an adjective, describing the state of the project.

2. Medication Regulations:

   • Incorrect: "Only use medication with government approval."
   • Correct: "Only use medication with government approval."
   • Correct: "Only use government-approved medication."

   Here, approval refers to the government's act of approving the medication. Approved, on the other hand, describes the medication itself, indicating that it has received government approval.

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3. Expense Reports:

   • Incorrect: "Submit your expenses for approved."
   • Correct: "Submit your expenses for approval."
   • Correct: "Submit your approved expense report."

   In this case, approval is the goal – you want your expenses to be approved. The approved expense report is the document that has already been vetted and authorized.

4. Building Plans:

   • Incorrect: "The city requires approved before construction can begin."
   • Correct: "The city requires approval before construction can begin."
   • Correct: "The city requires approved building plans before construction can begin."

   Here, approval is the necessary permission. Approved describes the building plans, indicating that they have met the city's requirements.

5. Loan Applications:

   • Incorrect: "She is waiting for her loan to be approval."
   • Correct: "She is waiting for her loan to be approved."
   • Correct: "She is waiting for approval of her loan."

In the first correct sentence, approved is used as a verb, indicating the status of her loan application. In the second correct sentence, approval is used as a noun, referring to the action of approving her loan.

By examining these examples, you can see how approval and approved function differently in sentences. Pay attention to the context and the grammatical role of the word to ensure you're using the correct term.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even native English speakers sometimes stumble when using approval and approved, so don't feel bad if you've made these mistakes before! Here are some common errors to watch out for:

• Using "approved" as a noun: This is a frequent mistake. Remember, approved is an adjective, not a noun. You can't say "The approved is needed." Instead, say "Approval is needed." Or, "The document is approved."
• Using "approval" as an adjective: This is the opposite error. Approval is a noun, so it can't directly modify another noun. You can't say "an approval plan." Instead, say "an approved plan."
• Incorrect verb tense with "approved": Make sure you use the correct verb tense when using approved. For example, "The plan has been approved," not "The plan has been approval."
• Confusing the prepositions: Pay attention to the prepositions you use with approval. It's usually "approval from" someone or "approval of" something. For example, "approval from the manager" or "approval of the project."
• Overcomplicating sentences: Sometimes, trying to sound too formal can lead to errors. Keep your sentences clear and concise. If you're unsure, try rephrasing the sentence to use simpler language. For example, instead of saying "The approved process must be adhered to," you could say "Follow the approved process." To avoid these mistakes, always double-check your work and pay close attention to the grammatical role of each word. If you're unsure, consult a dictionary or grammar guide. With practice, you'll become more confident in using approval and approved correctly.

Tips to Remember the Difference

Okay, so how do we keep approval and approved straight? Here are a few tips and tricks to help you remember the difference:

• Think "Action vs. Description": Remember that approval is the action of approving, while approved describes something that has been approved.
• Replace with Synonyms: If you're unsure which word to use, try replacing it with a synonym. If "permission" or "consent" fits, you probably need approval. If "authorized" or "validated" fits, you probably need approved.
• Create a Mnemonic Device: Mnemonic devices can be super helpful for remembering tricky concepts. For example, you could remember that "Approval is a Noun, Approved is an Adjective." (Think Approval N, Approved A).
• Practice, Practice, Practice: The best way to master any concept is through practice. Write your own sentences using approval and approved. Ask a friend or colleague to review your work and provide feedback.
• Read Widely: Pay attention to how these words are used in books, articles, and other written materials. The more you read, the more you'll internalize the correct usage.
• Use Online Tools: There are many online grammar checkers and writing assistants that can help you identify and correct errors. These tools can be a valuable resource for improving your writing skills.

By using these tips, you can train your brain to automatically choose the correct word. With a little effort, you'll be using approval and approved like a pro in no time!

Conclusion

Alright guys, we've covered a lot! Hopefully, you now have a solid understanding of the difference between approval and approved. Just remember that approval is a noun referring to the act of approving, while approved is an adjective describing something that has been approved. Pay attention to the grammatical role of each word, avoid common mistakes, and use the tips we've discussed to reinforce your understanding. With a little practice, you'll be able to use these words with confidence and clarity in your writing and speaking. Keep practicing, and you'll be an approved English speaker in no time! Now go out there and get some approval for your awesome ideas!