a potential agreement

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a potential agreement" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the possibility of reaching an agreement or understanding in a negotiation or discussion. Example: "We are currently exploring a potential agreement that could benefit both parties involved."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

52 human-written examples

Six days later, the major powers and Iran announced the outlines of a potential agreement.

The New Yorker

There was no immediate response from the Pentagon on a potential agreement.

The Guardian

The reports of a potential agreement first appeared in The Wall Street Journal and in The New York Post.

The New York Times

The biggest is a potential agreement on "trade faciliation" – WTO-speak for cutting red tape at border crossings.

The Guardian

In an interview with CNN, Speaker John A. Boehner expressed doubts about a potential agreement on Iran's nuclear program.

The New York Times

Whitehall officials are preparing for negotiations to begin within months as they work towards a potential agreement.

The Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

8 human-written examples

For that matter, could indyref2 end up playing a part in any potential agreement with a prospective UK government?

BBC

The scenario illustrated in the figure above shows a substantial range for potential agreement.

Harvard Business Review

This case has a wide zone of potential agreement where each of the parties has reason to misunderstand the interests of the other side.

Harvard University

A revised INF that regionalized the treaty and replaced the ban with ceilings and transparency measures, as the New Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty does with strategic systems, is therefore a natural area of potential agreement.

The Washington Post

It also said negotiators had drawn up a catalogue outlining areas of potential agreement and differences in the long-running dispute.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing negotiations, use "a potential agreement" to indicate that an agreement is not yet finalized but is being actively considered.

Common error

Avoid using "a potential agreement" as if it were a done deal. Make sure your language reflects the uncertainty inherent in ongoing negotiations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a potential agreement" functions as a noun phrase, where "potential" modifies the noun "agreement". It describes an agreement that is possible or likely to happen in the future. Ludwig AI confirms its widespread usage across diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Formal & Business

15%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Science

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a potential agreement" is a commonly used phrase that signifies a possible but not yet finalized understanding between parties. Ludwig AI analysis confirms it appears frequently across diverse contexts, particularly in news, business, and academic settings. While grammatically straightforward and widely accepted, writers should be mindful of overstating certainty when using this phrase, ensuring that the language accurately reflects the ongoing and uncertain nature of negotiations. Alternatives like "a possible agreement" or "a tentative agreement" can offer more nuanced shades of meaning depending on the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a tentative agreement

Emphasizes the provisional and not yet finalized nature of the agreement.

a possible understanding

Focuses on the mutual comprehension that could be achieved.

an emerging consensus

Highlights the gradual development of agreement among parties.

a hypothetical deal

Stresses the speculative and unconfirmed status of the transaction.

a prospective arrangement

Indicates a future-oriented agreement that is being considered.

a conditional accord

Highlights that the agreement depends on meeting certain conditions.

an anticipated settlement

Emphasizes the expectation of reaching an agreement to resolve a dispute.

a theoretical compact

Suggests that the agreement is based on ideas rather than practical realities.

a preliminary negotiation

Focuses on the initial stages of discussion aimed at reaching an agreement.

a conceptual framework

Highlights the broad outline of an agreement without specific details.

FAQs

How to use "a potential agreement" in a sentence?

You can use "a potential agreement" to refer to an understanding that is being discussed, for example: "The diplomats are working towards "a potential agreement" to reduce carbon emissions."

What can I say instead of "a potential agreement"?

You can use alternatives like "a possible agreement", "a tentative agreement", or "a prospective arrangement" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "a potential agreement" or "a prospective agreement"?

Both ""a potential agreement"" and "a prospective agreement" are correct, but "potential" suggests a higher degree of possibility or likelihood than "prospective".

What's the difference between "a potential agreement" and "a final agreement"?

"A potential agreement" refers to a possible, but not yet concluded, understanding. In contrast, "a final agreement" signifies a completed and binding understanding that has been formally accepted by all parties involved.