a tacit understanding

USAGE SUMMARY

"a tacit understanding" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
It is used to describe an unspoken or implicit agreement between people. It is often used to refer to a shared understanding without the need for explicit communication. Example: Despite not discussing it, there was a tacit understanding between the two coworkers that they would split the workload evenly.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

A tacit understanding faces even bigger challenges.

The Economist

"There was a tacit understanding that Imperial Household members should not talk about their private lives".

The New York Times

There is a tacit understanding between the two sides that does no one any favours.

The Guardian - Opinion

They want an explicit agreement, he said, not a tacit understanding.

The Guardian

Was there a tacit understanding to leave things as they were?

The New Yorker

A tacit understanding that users can control privacy is enough to keep us sharing.

The Guardian

Meanwhile all parties seem close to a tacit understanding that there will be no coup.

The Economist

There's a tacit understanding that this annual weekend idyll of belonging will be Robert's last.

The New York Times

They're brothers, and there's a telepathy, a tacit understanding that they have.

The New York Times - Sports

There's a tacit understanding that if you tank in your GCSEs, there is no way forward for you.

The Guardian - Opinion

"There's a tacit understanding that if you don't take care of business, you'll get squeezed on something else.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Make sure that all the parties involved are actually aware and in agreement, only that it wasn't communicated explicitly.

Common error

Avoid assuming that a "tacit understanding" exists without evidence that all parties involved are actually aware and in agreement. Unsubstantiated assumptions can lead to misunderstandings and conflicts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a tacit understanding" functions as a noun phrase, often serving as the subject or object of a sentence. As Ludwig AI confirms, it denotes an implied agreement or shared awareness that is not explicitly stated. For example, Ludwig provides instances like "There is a tacit understanding between the two sides" or "There's a tacit understanding that if you tank in your GCSEs, there is no way forward for you."

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Unknown/unmatched sources

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a tacit understanding" is a noun phrase denoting an unspoken agreement or shared awareness. As Ludwig AI highlights, the phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used in written English, particularly in news and media contexts. It's crucial to ensure that the context clearly implies the absence of explicit communication when using this phrase. While alternatives like "an unspoken agreement" or "an implicit agreement" exist, the choice depends on the specific nuance one wishes to convey. Remember to avoid assuming a shared understanding without evidence, as this can lead to misunderstandings. Top sources like The New York Times, The Guardian and The Economist often employ this phrase.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an unspoken agreement

Replaces "tacit understanding" with more direct terms for something agreed without explicit communication.

an implicit agreement

Similar to 'unspoken agreement', but highlights the agreement is implied rather than explicitly stated.

a silent accord

Emphasizes the lack of verbal communication, implying a quiet, mutual acceptance.

an understood condition

Focuses on a condition or term that is mutually understood but not formally expressed.

a common knowledge

Shifts the focus to information that is widely known or accepted within a group.

a mutual recognition

Highlights the act of both parties acknowledging something, even if not discussed.

a shared assumption

Suggests an idea accepted by both sides without proof or discussion.

a gentlemen's agreement

An informal agreement, often unwritten, relying on the honor of the parties involved; implies trust.

an accepted norm

Emphasizes a standard or behavior that is generally accepted and followed without explicit rules.

a working premise

Highlights a basic assumption or understanding used as a foundation for further action or discussion.

FAQs

What does "a tacit understanding" mean?

The phrase "a tacit understanding" refers to an unspoken or implicit agreement between people or groups. It's an understanding that is communicated without the use of words.

How can I use "a tacit understanding" in a sentence?

You can use "a tacit understanding" to describe situations where there's a mutual agreement or expectation that hasn't been explicitly stated. For example: "There was "an unspoken agreement" among the team members to support each other."

What are some alternatives to "a tacit understanding"?

Alternatives to "a tacit understanding" include "an unspoken agreement", "an implicit agreement", or "a silent accord". The best choice depends on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is "a tacit understanding" the same as a formal agreement?

No, "a tacit understanding" is different from a formal agreement. A formal agreement is explicitly stated and often documented, whereas "a tacit understanding" is implied and unspoken.