Hey guys! Ever get tripped up on the difference between "approval" and "approved"? You're definitely not alone! These words seem super similar, and they are related, but they function differently in sentences. Understanding how to use them correctly can really boost your writing and speaking confidence. Let's break it down in a way that's easy to remember and apply.

Diving Deep into "Approval"

Approval is a noun. This means it represents a thing, specifically the act of approving something or the state of being approved. Think of it as the concept of acceptance or permission. It's the green light, the thumbs up, the official okay. You'll often see it used when talking about seeking or granting permission. Let's explore this a bit further, shall we?

• Approval as an Action: Consider instances where someone is actively seeking approval. A student might need approval from their professor to take a specific course. A company might be waiting for approval from a regulatory body before launching a new product. An employee might be after a manager's approval of their vacation request. In these scenarios, approval represents the action of giving the go-ahead.
• Approval as a State: Then there are situations where approval signifies a state of being, a condition that has been achieved. A project, after much deliberation, might receive approval. A loan application, after a thorough review, might be granted approval. A new policy, after rounds of discussions and revisions, might finally gain approval. Here, approval represents the achieved state of acceptance.
• Common Collocations: You'll often see "approval" paired with words like "get," "seek," "obtain," "grant," "receive," or "await." These pairings highlight its nature as something that is given, received, or actively pursued. Think about phrases like "seeking approval from the board," "awaiting regulatory approval," or "granting approval for the project budget."

Approval often carries a formal weight. It suggests a process, a set of criteria, and a decision-making authority. Getting approval often requires meeting specific standards or satisfying certain conditions. So, next time you're using the word approval, remember that it's about the idea or state of being accepted or permitted. It's the noun form, the foundation upon which acceptance is built. Getting this straight will seriously help you sound more professional and precise!

Unpacking "Approved"

Alright, let's switch gears and talk about "approved." Approved is the past participle of the verb "approve." This means it's used to describe something that has been given approval. It's an adjective, modifying a noun and telling us that the noun has already gone through the process of being accepted or authorized. The key here is that it describes something that has already received the green light.

• Describing Something Sanctioned: When you use "approved," you're highlighting that something has met the required standards or criteria and has been officially accepted. For instance, you might talk about an "approved vendor," meaning that the vendor has been vetted and authorized to provide services. You could refer to an "approved medication," indicating that the medication has been tested and cleared for use by the relevant authorities. Or you might mention an "approved budget," signifying that the budget has been reviewed and authorized for spending.
• Focus on the Result: Approved focuses on the result of the approval process. It's not about the act of approving, but about the status of something that has been approved. The emphasis is on the fact that the thing in question has successfully passed through the necessary channels and is now considered acceptable.
• Passive Voice Connection: You'll often see "approved" used in passive voice constructions. For example, "The application was approved by the committee." This highlights that the application was the recipient of the action of approval. The focus is on what happened to the application, rather than who did the approving.

In essence, approved is all about indicating that something has already been given the thumbs up. It's a stamp of validation, a mark of acceptance. Using it correctly adds clarity and precision to your language, leaving no doubt that something has been officially sanctioned. So, keep in mind that approved is the adjective, describing something that has successfully navigated the approval process.

Key Differences Summarized

Okay, let's hammer home the key differences between approval and approved with a quick summary. This should really solidify things for you guys.

• Part of Speech: Approval is a noun (a thing), while approved is an adjective (describing a thing).
• Focus: Approval focuses on the act or state of being approved. Approved focuses on the result – the fact that something has been approved.
• Usage: You seek approval, grant approval, or receive approval. You describe something as being an approved method, an approved plan, or an approved supplier.

Think of it this way:

• Approval is the concept of saying "yes."
• Approved is the status of something that has been said "yes" to.

Example: "The project requires approval from the manager. Once we have her approval, it will become an approved project."

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Let’s look at some common mistakes people make when using “approval” and “approved.” Knowing these pitfalls can help you steer clear of them.

• Using "Approval" as an Adjective: This is a frequent error. Avoid saying things like "approval project." The correct phrasing is "approved project." Remember, approval is a noun and cannot directly modify another noun.
• Using "Approved" as a Noun: Another common mistake is trying to use approved where a noun is needed. For example, instead of saying "The approved was granted," you should say "The approval was granted."
• Incorrect Tense: Be mindful of the tense when using approved. Ensure that the tense matches the context of your sentence. For instance, if you're talking about something that will be approved in the future, you wouldn't use approved. You might say, "The project will be approved next week," or "We are seeking approval for the project."
• Misunderstanding the Formal Tone: Both approval and approved often carry a formal tone, particularly in business, legal, or academic contexts. Avoid using them too casually in informal settings, where words like “okay,” “accepted,” or “agreed” might be more appropriate.
• Overusing Passive Voice: While approved is often used in passive voice constructions, overuse of passive voice can make your writing sound clunky and indirect. Try to balance passive constructions with active voice where appropriate. For example, instead of saying "The report was approved by the manager," you could say "The manager approved the report."

By being aware of these common mistakes, you can refine your usage of “approval” and “approved” and ensure that your writing is clear, accurate, and professional.

Real-World Examples

To really solidify your understanding, let's look at some real-world examples of how "approval" and "approved" are used in different contexts.

• Business: "The company is awaiting regulatory approval before launching its new product line." (Approval as a state)
• Education: "Students need approval from their advisor to enroll in independent study courses." (Approval as an action)
• Finance: "The loan application was approved after a thorough review of the applicant's credit history." (Approved describing the application)
• Government: "The proposed legislation requires approval from both houses of Congress." (Approval as a requirement)
• Technology: "Only approved software can be installed on company laptops for security reasons." (Approved describing the software)

These examples illustrate how "approval" and "approved" are used in various professional settings. Notice how approval is often associated with processes, permissions, and requirements, while approved is used to describe something that has already met the necessary criteria.

Practice Makes Perfect

Okay, guys, you've got the theory down. Now it's time for a little practice to really cement your understanding. Try filling in the blanks in the following sentences with either "approval" or "approved."

1. The project is pending _______ from the CEO.
2. Only _______ vendors are authorized to provide services to the company.
3. The committee granted _______ for the proposed changes.
4. The _______ plans were submitted for review.
5. We are awaiting _______ from the board of directors.

Answers: 1. approval, 2. approved, 3. approval, 4. approved, 5. approval

How did you do? Hopefully, this exercise has helped you feel more confident in your ability to distinguish between “approval” and “approved.”

Wrapping Up

So there you have it! The difference between approval and approved isn't so mysterious after all. Remember that approval is a noun, representing the act or state of being approved, while approved is an adjective, describing something that has been approved. Keep these distinctions in mind, and you'll be using these words like a pro in no time! And seriously, mastering these little nuances can make a big difference in how clear and professional your communication sounds.