The protocol was approved by
Research methodology and reporting expression
Use this phrase to prove your research is ethical and officially authorized by a governing body.
En 15 secondes
- Confirms a research plan was officially reviewed and authorized.
- Essential for ethics sections in academic and medical writing.
- Uses passive voice to emphasize the process over the person.
Signification
This phrase means that a specific plan or set of rules for a study was checked and given the 'green light' by an official group. It shows that your research follows the rules and is safe to perform.
Exemples clés
3 sur 6Writing a medical journal article
The protocol was approved by the hospital's ethics board.
The research plan was authorized by the hospital ethics committee.
Updating a supervisor on a PhD project
I have great news: the protocol was approved by the committee this morning!
The plan was officially accepted by the board today.
A formal presentation to investors
Before we began the clinical trials, the protocol was approved by the FDA.
The plan was authorized by the FDA before we started.
Contexte culturel
This expression is rooted in the post-WWII era of research ethics, specifically following the Nuremberg Code and the Helsinki Declaration. It signifies a global academic culture where independent oversight is mandatory to prevent unethical experimentation. In English-speaking universities, 'getting IRB approval' is a common rite of passage for every researcher.
The 'Who' Matters
Always follow this phrase with the specific name of the board (e.g., 'the IRB' or 'the Ethics Committee'). Just saying 'it was approved' isn't enough in science!
Don't be a Robot
Avoid using this in casual emails to friends about weekend plans. It makes you sound like you're filing a government report instead of grabbing a beer.
En 15 secondes
- Confirms a research plan was officially reviewed and authorized.
- Essential for ethics sections in academic and medical writing.
- Uses passive voice to emphasize the process over the person.
What It Means
Think of a protocol as a recipe for a scientific experiment. It lists every single step you plan to take. When you say it was approved by, you are telling the world that a committee of experts read your recipe. They agreed it was ethical, safe, and logical. It is like getting a hall pass from the principal before you start your project. Without this approval, your research is just a hobby; with it, it becomes official science.
How To Use It
You usually place this phrase in the 'Methods' section of a paper. It follows a passive structure because the focus is on the plan, not you. You start with The protocol, add was approved by, and finish with the name of the board. For example, The protocol was approved by the University Ethics Committee. It sounds very official because, well, it is! It is the ultimate 'don't sue me' sentence in the academic world.
When To Use It
Use this when you are writing a formal report or a thesis. It is essential when your research involves people, animals, or sensitive data. You might also use it in a high-level meeting with stakeholders. If a boss asks, 'Are we allowed to do this?', you drop this phrase to end the argument. It provides instant credibility and shows you did your homework. It is the 'seal of quality' for your workflow.
When NOT To Use It
Do not use this for casual daily plans. If you and your friends decide to go to a movie, do not say The protocol was approved by the group. That makes you sound like a robot from a 1970s sci-fi film. Avoid it in creative writing or emotional storytelling. It is too cold and clinical for a heart-to-heart talk. Also, do not use it if the approval is still pending. Accuracy is everything here.
Cultural Background
In Western academia, ethics are a massive deal. This phrase grew out of the need for transparency after historical research scandals. It represents a culture of 'checks and balances.' It shows that the individual researcher is not the final authority. In the US and UK, the Institutional Review Board (IRB) is the 'big boss' you usually mention. Using this phrase shows you respect the global standards of human rights and safety.
Common Variations
You might see The study was approved by or The procedures were cleared by. Sometimes people say Ethics approval was granted by. These all mean the same thing: someone important said 'yes' to your plan. In a more corporate setting, you might hear The project plan was signed off by. However, in science, protocol remains the gold standard word. It sounds more precise and disciplined than just a 'plan'.
Notes d'usage
This is a C1-level academic expression. It is strictly formal and should be reserved for technical writing or professional reporting where official authorization is a requirement.
The 'Who' Matters
Always follow this phrase with the specific name of the board (e.g., 'the IRB' or 'the Ethics Committee'). Just saying 'it was approved' isn't enough in science!
Don't be a Robot
Avoid using this in casual emails to friends about weekend plans. It makes you sound like you're filing a government report instead of grabbing a beer.
The 'IRB' Secret
In the US, people often just say 'We got IRB approval.' In the UK, they might say 'Ethics clearance.' Using 'The protocol was approved by' is the universal bridge between both.
Exemples
6The protocol was approved by the hospital's ethics board.
The research plan was authorized by the hospital ethics committee.
This is the most standard academic usage.
I have great news: the protocol was approved by the committee this morning!
The plan was officially accepted by the board today.
Used to share a major milestone in a professional journey.
Before we began the clinical trials, the protocol was approved by the FDA.
The plan was authorized by the FDA before we started.
Shows regulatory compliance to build trust.
Protocol was approved by the board! We can start the lab work on Monday.
The plan is approved! We start Monday.
Slightly shortened for a quick text between colleagues.
I asked for a second dessert, and the protocol was approved by my wife.
My wife said I could have more cake.
Using hyper-formal language for a mundane situation creates humor.
Data collection was paused until the protocol was approved by the new director.
We waited for the new director's approval before continuing.
Explains a timeline based on official permissions.
Teste-toi
Choose the correct phrase to complete the formal research statement.
Before any participants were recruited, the ___ the Institutional Review Board.
This is the standard technical phrase used in research methodology to indicate official ethical clearance.
Identify the most appropriate authority to follow the phrase.
The protocol was approved by the ___.
A 'protocol' in this context requires an official governing body like an Ethics Committee.
🎉 Score : /2
Aides visuelles
Formality Spectrum of Approval
Friends agreeing on a plan.
We're good to go.
Workplace sign-off.
The boss said yes.
Official documentation.
The proposal was accepted.
Scientific/Legal compliance.
The protocol was approved by...
Where to use 'The protocol was approved by'
Medical Journal
In the methodology section.
University Thesis
In the ethics statement.
Clinical Trials
Reporting to regulators.
Government Reports
Documenting safety steps.
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsIn research, a protocol is a detailed document that outlines the entire plan for a study. It is much more formal than a simple 'plan' or 'idea'.
Yes, if the project is highly regulated or technical. However, for most business tasks, The project plan was approved by is more common.
Using was approved by puts the focus on the document and the authority. It sounds more objective and professional than saying 'The committee approved our protocol'.
It is mostly used in science, medicine, and social science research. It can also appear in high-level military or diplomatic contexts.
No, that is incorrect. You must use by to indicate the agent or group that gave the permission.
They are very similar, but approved implies a formal vote or signature. Cleared often implies passing a safety or security check.
No, protocol is a common noun and should be lowercase unless it starts the sentence.
You keep it exactly the same: The protocol was approved by the board in 2015. The phrase naturally fits the past tense.
You can say The protocol was approved by both the University and the Hospital ethics boards. Just list them at the end.
Only in very formal settings, like a thesis defense or a conference presentation. In the lab, you'd likely say We got approval.
Expressions liées
Ethics clearance was obtained
Formal permission to conduct research was received.
Subject to institutional approval
The plan is waiting for a 'yes' from the organization.
In accordance with guidelines
Following the official rules or standards.
Signed off on
A less formal way to say someone gave final approval.
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