a written agreement

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a written agreement" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to a formal document that outlines the terms and conditions agreed upon by parties involved. Example: "Before we proceed with the project, we need to have a written agreement in place to ensure that both parties understand their responsibilities."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Wiki

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

We never had a written agreement.

The New Yorker

A. I do recommend a written agreement.

The New York Times

Many exchange programs require students to get a written agreement.

The New York Times

"With Eli, a written agreement is just a basis for further negotiation".

The New Yorker

Even a written agreement may not be able to protect former Gbagbo officials who return home.

The Economist

The two museums had a written agreement to join last year.

The New York Times

In a written agreement with the board, she said she now understood the city's policies more clearly.

The New York Times

The NAO said: "This understanding was based on verbal discussions with BBC officials rather than a written agreement.

The Guardian

The court papers said there was a written agreement, dated August 1 , 1993 for only the first three movies.

The New York Times

"The most important things is that there is a written agreement at the end which everyone can sign up to".

The Guardian

The state also requires that abortion providers have a written agreement with a hospital where they can transfer patients.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Always review "a written agreement" with legal counsel before signing to ensure your interests are adequately protected and that you fully understand the document's implications.

Common error

Don't depend on verbal promises alone. Always insist on putting everything in "a written agreement" to avoid misunderstandings or disputes later.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a written agreement" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object of a verb or the subject of a clause. It identifies a specific type of understanding or arrangement that is documented in writing. Ludwig AI confirms this usage is correct.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

34%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Encyclopedias

6%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, “a written agreement” is a noun phrase indicating a formally documented understanding, essential for clarity and legal protection. As Ludwig AI confirms, its grammatical correctness and widespread usage across diverse fields like news, science, and business underscore its importance. When drafting or considering such agreements, ensure all terms are clearly defined and reviewed by legal counsel to avoid potential disputes. Opting for a formal contract offers greater security compared to relying solely on verbal promises.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

formal contract

Emphasizes the legally binding aspect.

signed accord

Highlights the act of signing and the sense of harmony.

official understanding

Stresses the formal and recognized nature of the agreement.

legal settlement

Focuses on resolving a dispute through a legally documented agreement.

formal arrangement

Broader term referring to any structured agreement, often documented.

binding commitment

Highlights the obligatory nature of the agreement.

documented understanding

Emphasizes the recorded nature of the agreement.

official pact

Implies a formal agreement between parties, often nations or organizations.

contractual arrangement

Highlights the presence of a contract and an organized structure.

terms of agreement

Focuses on the specifics and conditions outlined in the agreement.

FAQs

What makes "a written agreement" legally binding?

For "a written agreement" to be legally binding, it typically requires offer, acceptance, consideration (something of value exchanged), and mutual intent to be bound. Consult legal counsel for specifics.

What should be included in "a written agreement"?

Key elements of "a written agreement" include clear identification of parties, scope of work or services, payment terms, timelines, dispute resolution mechanisms, and termination clauses.

Is "a written agreement" always better than a verbal one?

Yes, "a written agreement" provides documented proof of agreed-upon terms, reducing the risk of misunderstandings and offering legal recourse if needed. Verbal agreements can be difficult to enforce.

What are some alternatives to using "a written agreement"?

While less formal, alternatives include a "memorandum of understanding" or a "letter of intent", but these may not be legally binding in all cases. A "formal contract" is usually the most secure option.