Pending your approval

You usually put this phrase at the end of a sentence. It acts like a polite condition. You describe an action you want to take, then add the phrase. For example, "I will send the contract to the client, pending your approval." It shows you are proactive but also respectful of the hierarchy. It is like holding a door open for your boss to walk through first.

This is a superstar phrase for office emails. Use it when sending drafts, budget proposals, or vacation requests. It is perfect for situations where you want to show you have done the work, but you do not want to seem pushy. It works well with clients too. It makes them feel like they are in control of the final decision.

Do not use this with your best friends unless you are being funny. If you say, "I'll order the pepperoni pizza, pending your approval," your friend might think you have spent too much time in the office! Also, avoid it for things that have already happened. You cannot say something is pending approval if you already did it. That is just asking for trouble with your manager.

In Western business culture, there is a big focus on "polite deference." Even if everyone knows the boss will say yes, we still use formal language to show respect for their position. It is a way to protect yourself. If something goes wrong later, you can point out that it was approved. It is the linguistic version of a safety net.

If you want to sound even more formal, you can use subject to your approval. If you are in a hurry, you might say awaiting your sign-off. For a more relaxed vibe in a modern office, people often say let me know if this looks good to you. But pending your approval remains the gold standard for professional polish.