Functions of showing attitude

= John: Peter has a nice hobby now – it’s harmless and keeps him busy all the time.

= John approved of Peter’s hobby because it was harmless and kept him busy all the time.

= John: The way Peter treats his wife is disgusting.

= John disapproved of the way Peter treated his wife.

1. John approved of Peter/Peter’s choice.

2. John gave a nod of approval.

3. The president favoured

further tax cuts.

cutting taxes.

4. They were/came out (all) in favour of his proposals.

5. They applauded the decision to go ahead with the new plan.

6. John didn’t hold with

these modern ideas.

letting pupils do such things.

7. John was (all/strongly) for/against

her suggestion.

accepting the offer.

8. The city council approved the building plans.

9. John gave their plans his approval.

10. John gave his approval to/for their plans.

11. John received their approval to carry on with his plans/work.

12. John

expressed

voiced

nodded

(his) approval (of the plan).

13. The new proposals

won the approval of the board.

met with their approval. (formal)

14. The president (fully) endorsed his candidacy.

15. The president gave his endorsement to them/their plans.

16. The president gave them/their plans his endorsement.

17. They okayed/OKed John’s request for a loan.

18. John gave them his okay/OK (to go on with their plans).

19. John gave his OK/okay to them.

20. John got the okay/OK (to go on with his plans).

21. The government gave its/their blessing to the new plan.

1. John disapproved of

Peter/his intentions.

Peter(’s) playing cards.

2. John expressed/voiced (his) (strong) disapproval of Peter’s behaviour.

3. John remonstrated (with Peter) about/against his foolish behaviour.

4. They (deeply/thoroughly) deplored

their violent behaviour.

their taking drugs.

5. John frowned

on/at Peter’s idea/any disobedience.

on smoking in public.

6. John took a dim/poor view of Peter’s conduct.

7. John shook his head/finger (at Peter) (in disapproval).

8. Congress disapproved the legislation.