a friendly solution

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a friendly solution" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a resolution or answer that is amicable or agreeable to all parties involved. Example: "After much discussion, we finally reached a friendly solution that satisfied both sides."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

But he added, "The pact does not exclude a friendly solution".

The New York Times

Clearly we would like to see a friendly solution where everyone agrees and it's all cosy.

The Guardian

There will never be a friendly solution to the North Korea problem if this continues to happen!" He then posted a clip of himself talking about North Korea's nuclear program in a television interview that aired 18 years ago.

The Washington Post

But on June 21st, Jean-Claude Trichet, governor of the Bank of France, presided over a regulatory committee (CECEI) that refused to approve a recent increase in SocGen's offer for Paribas, and then weighed into the long-running battle with an "invitation" to the heads of the three banks to come together to try to work out a friendly solution to their differences.

The Economist

Trump said on Twitter last week that China has been "caught" allowing oil into North Korea and said such moves would prevent "a friendly solution" to the crisis.

Huffington Post

During 2012, in 80 cases, the institution either settled the matter, or a friendly solution was reached.

European Parliament

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

It not only allowed the inevitable collapse to be pushed down the road, but more specifically it allowed the crisis to be deferred to a presidential election year, when a politically friendly solution would be more likely due to the large Puerto Rican representation in key electoral college states.

Huffington Post

Recommended by the leading animal welfare groups, birth control represents a "bird friendly" solution for pigeon control.

WikiHow

Now an ecologist has found an environmentally friendly solution: Let native rodents do the hard work.

Science Magazine

The results suggest that the present synthetic strategy provides a potential feasibility for the fabrication of low-cost flexible counter electrodes of DSSCs using a facile deposition technique from an environmentally "friendly" solution at low temperature.

Electrochimica Acta

Now a team of French designers think they have found an environmentally friendly solution: solar-powered balloons.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When aiming for collaborative resolutions in negotiations, frame potential outcomes as "a friendly solution" to foster a more agreeable atmosphere.

Common error

In highly formal or legal contexts, avoid overusing the term 'friendly' as it may sound too informal. Opt for terms like 'amicable' or 'mutually agreeable' for a more professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a friendly solution" serves as a noun phrase functioning as a direct object or predicate nominative within a sentence. It denotes a resolution that is agreeable and amicable to all parties involved, as validated by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Formal & Business

30%

Science

20%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a friendly solution" is a valid and understandable phrase denoting an agreeable resolution, as confirmed by Ludwig. While generally acceptable, its frequency is uncommon, and its suitability varies depending on the context. News & Media and Formal & Business are its most frequent contexts. For highly formal settings, consider alternatives like "amicable resolution" or "mutually agreeable solution". Remember to use "a friendly solution" when aiming for a harmonious and collaborative approach to resolving issues.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an amicable resolution

Replaces 'friendly' with 'amicable', emphasizing mutual agreement and goodwill.

a mutually agreeable solution

Highlights the aspect of agreement between all parties involved in the solution.

a harmonious settlement

Suggests a peaceful and cooperative resolution to a disagreement.

a collaborative resolution

Focuses on the joint effort and cooperation in finding a solution.

a cooperative agreement

Emphasizes the willingness of parties to work together toward a resolution.

a favorable outcome

Shifts the focus to the positive result achieved through the solution.

a satisfactory resolution

Indicates that the solution meets the needs and expectations of those involved.

a win-win scenario

Highlights that the solution benefits all parties involved.

an equitable settlement

Stresses the fairness and impartiality of the resolution.

a positive resolution

Emphasizes the constructive and beneficial nature of the solution.

FAQs

How can I use "a friendly solution" in a sentence?

You can use "a friendly solution" to describe a resolution that is agreeable to all parties involved. For example: "The mediator helped them reach "a friendly solution" to the dispute".

What are some alternatives to saying "a friendly solution"?

Alternatives include "an amicable resolution", "a mutually agreeable solution", or "a harmonious settlement" depending on the specific context.

Is "a friendly solution" appropriate for formal writing?

While "a friendly solution" is generally acceptable, more formal contexts might benefit from alternatives like "an equitable settlement" or "a mutually agreeable solution" to maintain a professional tone.

What's the difference between "a friendly solution" and "a compromise"?

"A friendly solution" implies a positive and agreeable outcome for all parties, while "a compromise" might suggest that each party had to concede something, potentially resulting in a less ideal, but still acceptable, outcome.