Subject to your approval
Formal business communication expression
Use this to present a completed plan while giving the other person the final 'yes' or 'no.'
In 15 Sekunden
- Used to suggest a plan while waiting for final permission.
- Shows you are organized but respect the other person's authority.
- Common in professional emails, reports, and formal project planning.
Bedeutung
This phrase means you have made a plan or a decision, but you won't move forward until the other person gives their official 'okay.' It is like saying, 'I have done the work, but you have the final say.'
Wichtige Beispiele
3 von 6Emailing a project draft to a manager
I have attached the final project draft, subject to your approval.
I've sent the draft, but it's only final if you approve it.
Organizing a group event with friends
I've reserved a table for six at 8 PM, subject to your approval.
I booked the table, but let me know if that time works.
Proposing a budget to a client
The estimated costs are listed below, subject to your approval.
These are the costs, pending your agreement.
Kultureller Hintergrund
This phrase reflects the Western professional value of 'collaborative hierarchy.' It allows an employee to demonstrate initiative while explicitly acknowledging the manager's final authority. It is a staple of corporate 'polite-speak' that originated in legal contracts but migrated into daily office emails.
The 'Action' Secret
Using this phrase actually makes you look more decisive. It shows you've already taken action and just need a final check, rather than asking 'What should I do?'
Don't Overuse It
If you use this in every single email, you might start to sound like you lack confidence. Save it for significant decisions or formal documents.
In 15 Sekunden
- Used to suggest a plan while waiting for final permission.
- Shows you are organized but respect the other person's authority.
- Common in professional emails, reports, and formal project planning.
What It Means
Think of subject to your approval as a polite safety net. You are presenting a finished idea or a specific plan to someone. However, you are acknowledging that they hold the power to change it. It shows you are prepared but also respectful of their authority. It is the verbal version of holding a door open for a decision-maker. You have done the heavy lifting, but they get to walk through first.
How To Use It
You usually place this at the end of a sentence or a proposal. It works best when you are sending a draft, a schedule, or a choice you made on someone else's behalf. For example, if you book a meeting room, you might tell your boss the time and location subject to your approval. It sounds much more professional than just saying 'Is this okay?' It implies that you are ready to go as soon as they nod.
When To Use It
This is a superstar phrase in the office. Use it when emailing a client with a project timeline. Use it with your manager when you have drafted a new policy. You can even use it in semi-formal personal life. If you are organizing a group dinner, you might suggest a restaurant subject to everyone's approval. It makes you look organized and considerate at the same time. It is perfect for those 'middle-ground' moments where you are leading but not the ultimate boss.
When NOT To Use It
Do not use this for tiny, everyday choices. If you ask your partner, 'I am buying milk, subject to your approval,' they might think you are being sarcastic or weirdly formal. It is too heavy for low-stakes situations. Also, avoid it if you actually don't want their input. If the decision is already final, using this phrase will just confuse people. It can sound a bit 'robotic' if used in a very casual text message to a close friend. Keep it for when a 'yes' or 'no' actually matters.
Cultural Background
In English-speaking business culture, there is a big focus on 'polite deference.' We often avoid sounding too bossy or demanding. This phrase comes from legal and formal writing where every action needs a trigger. It became popular because it balances efficiency with respect. It allows a subordinate to show initiative without overstepping their bounds. It is a classic 'face-saving' tool that keeps professional hierarchies running smoothly without anyone feeling ignored.
Common Variations
If subject to your approval feels a bit too stiff, you have options. You can use pending your approval for something that is already in motion. If this meets your approval is another very formal cousin. For a slightly softer touch, try let me know if this works for you. In a more modern office, you might just say pending your feedback. All of these carry the same 'I am waiting for your green light' energy.
Nutzungshinweise
This is a high-level B2/C1 phrase. It is strictly formal or semi-formal. Using it correctly can make you sound like a seasoned professional who understands office etiquette.
The 'Action' Secret
Using this phrase actually makes you look more decisive. It shows you've already taken action and just need a final check, rather than asking 'What should I do?'
Don't Overuse It
If you use this in every single email, you might start to sound like you lack confidence. Save it for significant decisions or formal documents.
The Silent 'Yes'
In many Western offices, if you send something 'subject to approval' and hear nothing back for a few days, it is often taken as a silent 'yes'—but always double-check!
Beispiele
6I have attached the final project draft, subject to your approval.
I've sent the draft, but it's only final if you approve it.
This shows the work is done but respects the manager's role.
I've reserved a table for six at 8 PM, subject to your approval.
I booked the table, but let me know if that time works.
A polite way to take charge of planning without being bossy.
The estimated costs are listed below, subject to your approval.
These are the costs, pending your agreement.
Standard business phrasing for financial negotiations.
I'm thinking of painting the hallway blue, subject to your approval, of course!
I want to paint the hall blue, if you're okay with it.
The 'of course' adds a playful, respectful touch to a big decision.
I will have one tiny cookie, subject to my trainer's approval.
I'll eat a cookie if my trainer says I can.
Uses formal language for a funny, low-stakes personal situation.
I've suggested we visit your parents this weekend, subject to your approval.
I proposed the visit, but only if you want to go.
Shows emotional intelligence by not forcing a family schedule.
Teste dich selbst
Choose the correct phrase to complete the professional email.
I have scheduled the interview for Tuesday at 10 AM, ___.
The phrase requires the noun 'approval' to function correctly as the object of the preposition.
Which variation is most appropriate for a formal contract proposal?
The terms of this agreement are ___.
'Subject to your approval' provides the necessary formal tone for a contract or agreement.
🎉 Ergebnis: /2
Visuelle Lernhilfen
Formality Scale of 'Approval' Phrases
Used with friends or family.
Is this okay with you?
Standard office communication.
Let me know if this works.
Professional or legal context.
Subject to your approval.
High-level executive or legal.
Pending formal ratification and approval.
Where to use 'Subject to your approval'
Sending a draft
Here is the report draft...
Booking travel
I found these flights...
Setting a meeting
I've invited the team for 2 PM...
Proposing a budget
The marketing spend is set...
Häufig gestellte Fragen
10 FragenNot exactly. 'If you like it' is very casual and personal. 'Subject to your approval' is more about permission and official status in a professional setting.
Yes, it is actually one of the best phrases to use with a boss. It shows you are doing your job while respecting their position as the final decision-maker.
'Subject to' implies a condition that must be met. 'Pending' usually means we are just waiting for the time to pass for the approval to happen. They are often interchangeable in office emails.
Only if the text is about a semi-serious matter, like planning a group trip. For a casual 'want to grab lunch?' it is way too formal.
No, it usually sounds organized. It says 'I have a plan ready to go,' which is a sign of strength and preparation.
No, that is grammatically incorrect. You must use the noun approval after the word your.
You could say Let me know what you think or Does this work for you? These are much more common in relaxed workplaces.
Yes, it is very common in both British and American English business contexts. It is a universal 'corporate English' expression.
Yes, if it comes at the end of a sentence, a comma usually helps the flow. For example: 'I've set the date, subject to your approval.'
Yes, in real estate or big business deals, an offer might be 'subject to' an inspection or 'subject to' board approval.
Verwandte Redewendungen
Pending your feedback
Waiting for your thoughts before moving to the next step.
At your discretion
You have the power to decide however you want.
If this meets your requirements
A very formal way to ask if a proposal is acceptable.
Let me know if you have any changes
A collaborative way to invite edits to a plan.
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