a mutual agreement

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a mutual agreement" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a consensus or understanding reached by two or more parties. Example: "After several discussions, we finally reached a mutual agreement on the terms of the contract."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Mr. Anderson added: "It was a mutual agreement that he resign, but there was a reluctant mutuality.

The New York Times

They refer to her departure as a "mutual agreement".

The New York Times

It is thought the move arose from a mutual agreement.

Independent

This is often a series of conversations and must eventually lead to a mutual agreement.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Came a time where we had to go our separate ways; it was a mutual agreement".

The New York Times

"Our future is in jeopardy if we can't come into a mutual agreement".

The New York Times

They are arguing for a mutual agreement to reduce the number of long-range nuclear weapons.

The New York Times

But we have a mutual agreement that I should step down".

The New York Times - Sports

"Very often they're aware of the seriousness of the situation and it's a mutual agreement".

The Guardian

It's a mutual agreement that we have, and it takes several months to come to that conclusion.

The New York Times

"They have kind of a mutual agreement, which you can see evident in the nature of their debate right now.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a mutual agreement", ensure that all parties involved genuinely consent and understand the terms. Avoid implying a mutual agreement when one party is coerced or uninformed.

Common error

Avoid assuming silence or lack of explicit objection equates to "a mutual agreement". True mutual agreements require active participation and clear consent from all parties.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a mutual agreement" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object of a verb or the complement of a preposition. As shown by Ludwig, this expression often describes the basis for decisions, departures, or resolutions.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

15%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a mutual agreement" is a commonly used noun phrase that signifies a consensus or shared understanding between two or more parties. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and applicable in a wide range of contexts, from formal business deals to personal relationships. While it's frequently used in News & Media, it also appears in scientific and encyclopedic sources. When using the phrase, remember that true mutuality requires active participation and informed consent. Alternatives such as "a consensus" or "a shared understanding" can be employed depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a consensus

Focuses on the collective opinion reached, rather than the formal agreement process.

a shared understanding

Emphasizes the common comprehension achieved, often less formal than a formal agreement.

a meeting of minds

Highlights the alignment of thoughts and intentions leading to an agreement.

an accord

Implies a formal agreement, often between groups or nations.

a settlement

Suggests the resolution of a dispute or conflict through agreement.

a common ground

Refers to the shared basis for an agreement, rather than the agreement itself.

a deal

An informal term for an agreement, often in a business context.

a bargain

Suggests an agreement reached through negotiation, often with some compromise.

a pact

A formal agreement, especially between countries or people, to do something together.

a contract

A legally binding agreement.

FAQs

How can I use "a mutual agreement" in a sentence?

You can use "a mutual agreement" to describe a situation where all involved parties have reached a consensus. For example: "The company stated that the CEO's departure was due to "a mutual agreement"".

What's a good alternative to "a mutual agreement"?

Depending on the context, you can use "a consensus", "a shared understanding", or "a joint agreement" as alternatives to "a mutual agreement".

What does it mean when a company says someone left by "a mutual agreement"?

When a company states that an employee's departure was by "a mutual agreement", it typically means that both the company and the employee agreed to the separation. It may or may not indicate the specific reasons behind the decision.

Is "a mutual agreement" the same as "a contract"?

While both involve agreement, "a mutual agreement" is a broader term. A contract is a specific type of formal, legally binding agreement. "A mutual agreement" may or may not be legally binding depending on the context.