a partial agreement

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a partial agreement" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to an agreement that covers some, but not all, aspects of a situation or issue. Example: "After several discussions, we reached a partial agreement on the terms of the contract, but some points still need to be negotiated."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

35 human-written examples

See articleSudan and South Sudan reached a partial agreement that should see oil flow again from south to north.

The Economist

Saeb Erekat, a senior Palestinian negotiator, confirmed that the Palestinian team would also oppose any outside attempt to impose proposals or to press for a partial agreement.

The New York Times

But the Jerusalem impasse has blocked a comprehensive accord, and neither leader wants to go home with a partial agreement, leaving Jerusalem to resolve later.

The New York Times

That conflict was widely regarded as one of the key factors in derailing the summit, which ended in a partial agreement amid scenes of chaos and recriminations.

The Guardian

Dan Shilo, 55, an economist, suggested that a partial agreement could be reached, one that left aside the thornier issues of Jerusalem and the refugees.

The New York Times

But the Palestinians have rejected both the proposal for United Nations control over the site and the idea of a partial agreement.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

24 human-written examples

The Israeli prime minister is reported to have restated his opposition to any partial agreement that lifts any sanctions without a complete halt to Iranian uranium enrichment.

The Guardian

But officials on all sides acknowledge that a good, partial agreement would represent a significant accomplishment and may be the only realistic end to this fluidly scheduled, seat-of-the-pants-style meeting.

The New York Times

Officials on all sides of the talks have said that a good partial agreement might be the only realistic end to this meeting at Camp David.

The New York Times

It appeared to be an acknowledgment of the Israeli and Palestinian negotiators' reluctance to come to a hasty partial agreement, despite the eagerness of the Bush administration for results before its term ends in January.

The New York Times

If an area of partial agreement exists between Father Powis and Mr. Lopez, it is over the state of the schools.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a partial agreement", clearly specify which aspects are covered by the agreement and which remain unresolved.

Common error

Avoid presenting "a partial agreement" as a complete solution. Clearly state the limitations and outstanding issues to manage expectations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a partial agreement" functions as a noun phrase. It typically serves as the subject or object of a sentence, referring to an agreement that is not comprehensive. Ludwig examples confirm its use in news and media contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Science

32%

Encyclopedias

4%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a partial agreement" is a grammatically correct and usable term, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. It describes an agreement that is not comprehensive, covering only some aspects of an issue. While not overly common, it appears frequently in News & Media and Science contexts. Alternatives such as ""a limited accord"" or ""a provisional understanding"" can provide similar meaning with slightly different emphasis. When using this phrase, be sure to clarify the scope and limitations of the agreement to avoid misunderstandings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a limited accord

Emphasizes the restricted scope of the agreement.

a provisional understanding

Highlights the temporary or conditional nature of the agreement.

an incomplete settlement

Focuses on the fact that the agreement doesn't resolve all issues.

a qualified consensus

Suggests agreement with certain conditions or reservations.

a preliminary resolution

Indicates that the agreement is a first step towards a final resolution.

a compromise on some points

Highlights that only some aspects are compromised.

an interim arrangement

Implies a temporary solution until a more permanent agreement is reached.

a restricted deal

Emphasizes the specific and limited nature of the agreement.

a tradeoff on certain issues

Highlights how some aspects are traded off in the agreement.

a conditional understanding

Focuses on the conditions attached to the agreement.

FAQs

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

You can use "a partial agreement" to describe situations where parties have agreed on some aspects of a negotiation but not all. For example, "After weeks of negotiations, the countries reached a partial agreement on trade tariffs".

What are some alternatives to "a partial agreement"?

You can use alternatives like "a limited accord", "a provisional understanding", or "an incomplete settlement", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to have a partial agreement or no agreement at all?

Whether a partial agreement is better than no agreement depends on the context. A partial agreement can be a step forward, addressing some issues and providing a basis for future negotiations. However, it's crucial to acknowledge its limitations and potential for future conflict.

What are the risks of relying on a partial agreement?

Relying on a partial agreement can create uncertainty and leave unresolved issues open to interpretation or future disputes. It is important to clearly define the scope and limitations of "a limited accord" and to establish a process for addressing the remaining issues.