a possible agreement

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a possible agreement" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing potential or tentative agreements in negotiations or discussions. Example: "After reviewing the terms, we believe that a possible agreement could be reached by the end of the week."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

38 human-written examples

Gregory Skinner, one of Stevens's lawyers, confirmed a possible agreement but also declined to elaborate.

The New York Times - Sports

Mary Costello, a Bovis spokeswoman, would not comment on a possible agreement.

The New York Times

Both people spoke on the condition of anonymity because talks on a possible agreement were continuing.

The New York Times

While this is clearly in Israel's interest, it's the outlines of a possible agreement that is the problem.

The Guardian - Opinion

Both sides show a growing willingness to compromise, and the outlines of a possible agreement are visible.

The New York Times

Ministers from the 195 countries at the talks are now working on the draft text of a possible agreement.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

20 human-written examples

"Tuvalu has a very legitimate preoccupation for a most ambitious possible agreement," declared Sergio Serra, Brazil's climate ambassador during Copenhagen.

Huffington Post

Let's close with an area for possible agreement with Ms. Parker.

Huffington Post

One example is Zone of Possible Agreement (Zopa), a social lending network that cuts out the middle-man – the bank – and puts lenders and borrowers directly in touch with each other.

The Guardian

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu denounced the new agreement, accusing Fatah of seeking reconciliation with Ḥamās at the expense of a possible peace agreement with Israel.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Yesterday, a draft version of a possible Copenhagen agreement emerged.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a possible agreement", clearly outline the conditions or terms that would need to be met for the agreement to materialize. This provides context and manages expectations.

Common error

Avoid using "a possible agreement" without specifying what the agreement entails. Without context, the phrase becomes ambiguous and uninformative.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a possible agreement" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object of a verb or preposition. It denotes the existence of a potential understanding or arrangement between parties, as illustrated by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Formal & Business

25%

Science

12%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

4%

Wiki

4%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a possible agreement" is a commonly used noun phrase to denote a potential understanding or arrangement, particularly in contexts such as news, business, and scientific discussions. As Ludwig confirms, it is grammatically correct and widely used. While alternatives like "a potential agreement" or "a tentative arrangement" exist, "a possible agreement" effectively conveys the idea of ongoing negotiations with a chance of success. When using this phrase, providing specific details about the agreement's terms will enhance clarity and manage expectations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a potential understanding

Replaces 'agreement' with 'understanding', emphasizing mutual comprehension rather than a formal arrangement. Semantic similarity is high.

a provisional understanding

Similar to 'tentative arrangement' but uses 'understanding' to highlight comprehension and 'provisional' to suggest impermanence. Semantic similarity is high.

a tentative arrangement

Substitutes 'possible agreement' with 'tentative arrangement', highlighting the provisional nature of the arrangement. Semantic similarity is high.

a prospective deal

Replaces 'agreement' with 'deal', which is more informal, and 'possible' with 'prospective', emphasizing future potential. Semantic similarity is slightly lower due to informality.

a feasible settlement

Replaces 'agreement' with 'settlement', suggesting resolution of a dispute, and 'possible' with 'feasible', indicating practicality. Semantic similarity is moderate.

a likely compromise

Changes the focus to 'compromise', suggesting concessions from both sides, and 'possible' to 'likely', indicating higher probability. Semantic similarity is moderate.

an emerging consensus

Shifts the emphasis to 'consensus', indicating broader agreement among a group, and uses 'emerging' to highlight the ongoing development. Semantic similarity is moderate.

a hypothetical accord

Replaces 'agreement' with 'accord', a more formal term, and 'possible' with 'hypothetical', emphasizing theoretical possibility. Semantic similarity is moderate.

a conditional pact

Substitutes 'agreement' with 'pact', implying a formal agreement, and uses 'conditional' to emphasize specific terms. Semantic similarity is moderate.

a developing resolution

Suggests a solution is in progress. Focuses on the resolution aspect rather than a general agreement.

FAQs

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

You can use "a possible agreement" to discuss potential or tentative agreements in negotiations or discussions. For example: "After reviewing the terms, we believe that "a possible agreement" could be reached by the end of the week."

What are some alternatives to "a possible agreement"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives such as "a potential agreement", "a tentative arrangement", or "a likely compromise".

Is it better to say "a potential agreement" or "a possible agreement"?

Both "a potential agreement" and "a possible agreement" are grammatically correct and can be used interchangeably. "Potential" often implies a slightly higher likelihood or desirability than "possible", but the difference is subtle.

What does it mean when someone refers to "a possible agreement" in negotiations?

It suggests that the parties involved are in discussions and that there's a chance of reaching an understanding, but the terms may not be finalized or certain. It indicates the potential for future consensus.