Official letters · Plain-English guide
What does “Subject to approval” mean?
It can go ahead only if the required person or organisation agrees.
“Promising, but somebody still has to say yes.” — Arthur
What it means in practice
A plan, offer or request depends on someone approving it. It is not yet unconditional. The wording does not tell you who decides, what they check or when a decision is expected.
An example and a clearer version
The original wording
Your request is subject to approval.
In plain English
Your request needs approval before it can go ahead.
What to say instead
only if approved.
How to make the next step clear
Ask who gives approval and whether you need to supply anything. If a payment, booking or other commitment depends on that decision, clarify the sequence before assuming the proposal is confirmed.
Wording you can adapt
Who needs to approve this, is anything needed from me, and when will I hear the decision?
The wording around a phrase matters. Keep the names, dates, amounts and conditions from the original when you rewrite it.
Try “Subject to approval” with Arthur →