What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
approve
Example
The manager approved the budget for the new project. [approve: verb]
Example
I fully approve of your decision to pursue higher education. [approve: verb]
confirm
Example
Please confirm your attendance by replying to this email. [confirm: verb]
Example
The DNA test confirmed his biological relationship to the child. [confirmed: past tense]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Approve is more commonly used than confirm in everyday language. Approve is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while confirm is less common and is typically used in more formal or professional settings.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between approve and confirm?
While approve is typically associated with a casual and informal tone, confirm is often used in formal or professional contexts, making it more formal in nature.