Contingent upon your approval

You usually place this at the end of a proposal or a request. Use it when you have finished all your hard work. You are now handing the final decision to someone else. It sounds very organized. It tells the other person that they have the power. You can use it in emails, contracts, or formal letters. It is a great way to show respect for someone's authority. Just remember, it is a big phrase for big decisions.

Use this in the office or when dealing with clients. It is perfect for project milestones. Use it when you are discussing budgets or new hires. It works well in legal documents too. If you are a freelancer, use it in your quotes. It makes you look like a seasoned professional. It is the gold standard for 'Corporate Speak.' You will sound like you have an MBA just by saying it.

Do not use this at a casual backyard BBQ. Don't say it to your friends when picking a movie. It sounds far too stiff for your personal life. If you use it with your spouse, they might think you are joking. It is definitely too heavy for 'What is for dinner?' Unless you want to be funny, keep it out of the kitchen. It is a tool for the boardroom, not the living room.

This phrase comes from legal and business traditions in the West. English-speaking business culture values clear boundaries. People like to know exactly who is responsible for what. Using this phrase protects you legally and socially. It shows you are not overstepping your bounds. It is a polite way to shift the final responsibility to a superior. It has been a staple of professional English for decades.

You might hear people say subject to your approval. Some use the phrase pending your final word. Others might say conditional upon your consent. All of these mean roughly the same thing. They all signal a pause while waiting for a green light. Contingent upon is usually the most formal version of the bunch. It sounds the most 'official' in a written contract.