Insertion or omission of preposition after 'approve'

[Barman]

1) I don't approve of your action.

2) I don't approve your action.

Can I omit or insert the preposition 'of' after the word 'approve'?

 

[Rover_KE]

Yes, but they have different meanings.

 

[teechar]

I agree with Rover, of course, that "approve" and "approve of" can have different meanings. However, I think sentence #2 above is less likely than, for example, "I won't/can't approve your action".

Barman, just as a little exercise for you, look up the difference in meaning between "approve" and "approve of" and post below to confirm that you understand what we're talking about.

 

[Barman]

I agree with Rover, of course, that "approve" and "approve of" can have different meanings. However, I think sentence #2 above is less likely than, for example, "I won't/can't approve your action".

Barman, just as a little exercise for you, look up the difference in meaning between "approve" and "approve of" and post below to confirm that you understand what we're talking about.

Approve = Officially permit/authorize/allow

Approve of = to agree with/happy with someone on his action