a tentative agreement

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a tentative agreement" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to an agreement that is not yet finalized and may be subject to further negotiation or approval. Example: "After several discussions, we reached a tentative agreement that will be reviewed by both parties next week."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

54 human-written examples

Last week, the flight attendants' union reached a tentative agreement to cut $77 million a year in costs through 2008.

The New York Times

A tentative agreement was set April 5, but then collapsed".

The New York Times

A tentative agreement was reached Tuesday night, McLane said.

The New York Times - Sports

See articleDetroit reached a tentative agreement with Syncora, one of its biggest creditors.

The Economist

The company has signed a tentative agreement to sell the 16-story, 87-year-old building.

The New York Times

See articleTurkey and Armenia announced a tentative agreement to establish diplomatic ties and reopen their border.

The Economist

Last week, before a tentative agreement was announced, the wrangling became noticeably bitter.

The New Yorker

Mr de Blasio reached a tentative agreement with eight unions in early December.

The Economist

Within a week, according to both lawyers, a tentative agreement was reached.

The New York Times

BNP Paribas, France's biggest bank, has reached a tentative agreement with its unions.

The New York Times

The two sides reached a tentative agreement last week with the help of a federal mediator.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a tentative agreement", clearly state the conditions or steps required for it to become final. This provides transparency and avoids misunderstandings.

Common error

Avoid treating "a tentative agreement" as a done deal. Always acknowledge its preliminary nature and the possibility of changes or rejection.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a tentative agreement" functions primarily as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object or subject in a sentence. As Ludwig AI confirms, it signifies an agreement that is not yet final and is subject to change or approval.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Formal & Business

30%

Science

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

1%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a tentative agreement" is a common and grammatically correct noun phrase used to describe an agreement that is not yet finalized. As Ludwig AI highlights, it's often found in news and business contexts, signaling progress in negotiations while acknowledging the potential for change. Related phrases include "a provisional agreement" and "a preliminary understanding". When using this phrase, it's crucial to clearly state the conditions for finalization and avoid treating it as a done deal. Remembering these nuances ensures clear and accurate communication in both writing and speech.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a provisional agreement

Emphasizes the conditional nature of the agreement, pending further developments.

a preliminary understanding

Highlights the initial stage of the agreement, suggesting more details need to be worked out.

an unconfirmed arrangement

Focuses on the lack of certainty and the possibility of changes.

a proposed settlement

Indicates that the agreement is offered but not yet accepted or finalized.

a conditional understanding

Stresses that the agreement is subject to certain conditions being met.

an initial accord

Highlights the beginning of an agreement process, with further steps expected.

a working compromise

Suggests the agreement is currently in use but might require further adjustments.

an interim resolution

Implies a temporary solution while awaiting a more permanent agreement.

a soft agreement

Indicates the agreement is not firmly binding and may be easily altered.

a handshake deal

Highlights the informal nature of the agreement, relying on trust rather than legal documentation.

FAQs

How is "a tentative agreement" typically used in a sentence?

It's often used to describe the status of negotiations or deals. For instance, "The union and the company reached "a tentative agreement" on wages, pending ratification by the members."

What are some alternatives to saying "a tentative agreement"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "a provisional agreement", "a preliminary understanding", or "an unconfirmed arrangement".

Is it appropriate to announce "a tentative agreement" publicly before it's finalized?

While it's common to announce it, always emphasize that it's not yet final and is subject to certain conditions. Transparency is key to managing expectations.

What happens if "a tentative agreement" falls through?

Negotiations may resume, or parties may explore alternative solutions. It's a reminder that such agreements are not guarantees of a final resolution.