a compromise

USAGE SUMMARY

"a compromise" is a correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It is used to describe a resolution or solution that is reached through mutual agreement or by finding middle ground between two opposing views or desires. Example: The committee was able to reach a compromise on the new budget, satisfying both the more conservative and more liberal members with a balanced approach.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"A compromise".

The New Yorker

This was a compromise".

The New York Times

A compromise plan could.

The New York Times

This is a compromise".

The New Yorker

Is that a compromise?

Independent

"They're a compromise.

The New York Times

Call it a compromise.

The New York Times - Books

A compromise is possible.

The Economist

It is a compromise?

The New York Times

It's a compromise.

The New York Times - Sports

We got a compromise.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a compromise", ensure that the context clearly indicates what is being compromised and the parties involved to avoid ambiguity. For example, "The new law was a compromise between environmental protection and economic development."

Common error

Avoid portraying "a compromise" as a complete victory. Acknowledge that while it represents progress, it likely involves some level of dissatisfaction for all parties involved.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a compromise" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It denotes a specific agreement or resolution reached through mutual concessions. Ludwig AI indicates it's a correct and commonly used phrase.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Academia

15%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Science

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a compromise" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe an agreement reached through mutual concessions, as affirmed by Ludwig AI. It functions as a noun phrase, often used to denote a resolution in various contexts, primarily in News & Media. When using "a compromise", it's important to ensure clarity by specifying what is being compromised and avoid overstating the benefits, acknowledging the concessions made by all parties. Alternatives like "a middle ground" or "a settlement" can be used depending on the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a give-and-take

Captures the reciprocal exchange of concessions during negotiations.

a negotiated solution

Emphasizes the process of discussion and bargaining to reach an outcome.

a middle ground

Focuses on finding a position between two extremes.

a mutual understanding

Stresses the shared comprehension and acceptance.

a settlement

Implies a formal resolution to a dispute or negotiation.

an accommodation

Suggests adjustments made to satisfy differing needs or demands.

an agreement

A general term for mutual understanding and acceptance.

a trade-off

Focuses on exchanging one thing for another to achieve a desired result.

a concession

Highlights the act of yielding on certain points.

a consensus

Highlights a collective agreement or general accord.

FAQs

How to use "a compromise" in a sentence?

You can use "a compromise" to describe an agreement reached by mutual concessions. For instance, "The agreement was "a compromise" between the employer and the union."

What can I say instead of "a compromise"?

Alternatives to "a compromise" include "a middle ground", "a settlement", or "a negotiated solution" depending on the specific context.

Which is correct, "a compromise" or "compromise"?

Both are correct but have different uses. "Compromise" refers to the act of compromising or the principle of it. "A compromise" refers to a specific instance or agreement that is the result of compromising.

What's the difference between "a compromise" and "a concession"?

"A compromise" involves mutual concessions from all parties involved, while "a concession" is the act of one party yielding to another. A compromise typically includes multiple concessions from all sides.