a point of agreement

USAGE SUMMARY

"a point of agreement" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to a basic principle or conclusion that both parties in a discussion or debate agree on. For example: "At the end of the debate, the two sides found a point of agreement on the need to increase awareness of air pollution."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

16 human-written examples

Let's start from a point of agreement".

The Guardian - Opinion

Would that be a point of agreement with creationists?

The New York Times

I'd like to end on a point of agreement.

The New York Times

This should give it a unique place in the wider negotiations, and the UK could take advantage of science as a point of agreement in more difficult discussions.

The Guardian

The very purpose of dialogue is to find common ground and to creatively conceive a point of agreement where there is none.

The New York Times

But after the scientific strike force had done its work and the publishers apologized, a point of agreement between the two emerged.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

44 human-written examples

Justice Sandra Day O'Connor seemed to be the signal-caller here, and the criterion seemed to be whether Bush had said something indicating a policy choice that might one day come before the Court or made a point of general agreement.

The New Yorker

27 28 Recognised by many as the gold-standard in the delivery of healthcare services, 29 SDM requires clinicians to engage with their patients during clinical consultations, facilitating an exchange of information and values to assist in reaching a point of shared agreement about treatment.

BMJ Open

Specifically, the need to learn to think conceptually like a biologist seems to be a key point of agreement among a variety of stakeholders.

CBE Life Sciences Education

Although it might seem largely symbolic — only about 1,200 traders remain on the floor, down from more than 2,500 a decade and a half ago — both bidders are promising to keep it open, a rare point of agreement and a nod to the high-stakes public relations battle now under way.

The New York Times

The American capital that emerged was, in John Kennedy's famous formulation, a city of "southern efficiency and northern charm" -- a rare point of agreement between him and Richard Nixon, who pronounced Washington "a city without identity" and voted with his feet to spend most of his political exile in New York prior to his 1968 comeback.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When aiming for a balanced argument, start by identifying "a point of agreement" before addressing areas of conflict or disagreement.

Common error

Avoid using "a point of agreement" without specifying the exact nature or scope of the agreement. Be specific about what is agreed upon to prevent misunderstandings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a point of agreement" functions as a noun phrase, identifying a specific matter or issue on which there is consensus or concurrence. As noted by Ludwig AI, it is deemed correct and usable in written English. It often introduces an element of shared understanding in discussions.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

31%

Encyclopedias

6%

Less common in

Wiki

6%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a point of agreement" denotes a specific matter on which there is consensus. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. It's often used to establish common ground, especially in discussions involving potential conflicts. While versatile across contexts, it appears most frequently in news and scientific sources. Effective writing involves not just identifying disagreements but also emphasizing shared understandings through phrases like this, fostering more productive and collaborative discussions. Consider alternatives such as "common understanding" or "mutual understanding" to add nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a consensus

Emphasizes the collective agreement reached.

a mutual understanding

Highlights the reciprocity of the understanding.

a common understanding

Focuses on the shared understanding rather than the specific point.

a basis of agreement

Focuses on the foundational aspect of the agreement.

an area of convergence

Shifts the focus to the area where different viewpoints meet.

a meeting of minds

Suggests a harmonious agreement reached through discussion.

an agreed-upon principle

Highlights that agreement involves a fundamental principle.

a shared perspective

Highlights that parties share the same general outlook.

a converging viewpoint

Emphasizes the coming together of different viewpoints.

a shared conclusion

Highlights the result of the agreement.

FAQs

How can I use "a point of agreement" in a sentence?

You can use "a point of agreement" to indicate a matter on which involved parties concur. For example, "The need for infrastructure improvements was "a point of agreement" among the council members."

What's a good substitute for "a point of agreement"?

Alternatives to "a point of agreement" include "common ground", "consensus", or "mutual understanding", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "point of agreement" or "area of agreement"?

Both "point of agreement" and "area of agreement" are correct, but "point of agreement" refers to a single, specific issue, while "area of agreement" suggests a broader topic with multiple points of concurrence.

Can "a point of agreement" also refer to a past agreement?

Yes, "a point of agreement" can refer to something that was agreed upon in the past and remains valid. For example, "The treaty established "a point of agreement" on border demarcation."