Common Mistakes : Approve

 verb

.BAD: Those who approve the death penalty claim that life imprisonment is not effective

GOOD: Those who approve of the death penalty claim that life imprisonment is not effective

.BAD: Some husbands do not approve the idea of their wives having a job

.GOOD: Some husbands do not approve of the idea of their wives having a job

approve sth (without of ) = formally accept a plan, proposal or application

.The use of the new drug has yet to be approved by the Medical Research Council

approve of sb/sth = think that someone or something is good

.I’m sure that most athletes will approve of the new rules on drug testing

.I don’t approve of sending young children to boarding school