agenda

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "agenda" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to refer to a schedule of activities or actions, or a list of topics to be discussed. For example, "We discussed the agenda for the meeting, which included an update on the new project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

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The Guardian

The Scottish referendum, coupled with the Smith commission on implementing its devolution concessions in Scotland, may have put the constitution on the agenda – even so, Whitehall fought Osborne down to the wire.

The Guardian

If the new government does not push the agenda for women's rights, it will have undermined the hopes of those who fought and died for a better Egypt.

The Guardian

Consistent with the education unions' recent calls for education secretary Michael Gove's resignation, negativity is highest among education leaders – nearly half say they oppose the government's agenda for their sector.

The Guardian

Probably not, though I generally support their progressive agenda," he said.

The Guardian

Yes, it's more competitive, but I'm taking over the party at a much more propitious time than John [Hume] did in 1979, when the security agenda dominated and the British government would not have risked any initiatives".

The Guardian

I can't recall the story of the play, and in any case it didn't matter much, because on the night I went, Edwards and Sykes decided to rip up the script and follow their own impromptu agenda.

The Guardian

Nor is it clear that Lee's motives are always purer than the careerist agenda he identifies elsewhere.

The Guardian

This certainly broke from the agenda of Adonis's book, and it marked a decisive break, too, with an ambushed Clegg, who immediately got his objections into the media.

The Guardian

Some SNP officials fear that the estimated 180,000 SNP voters who voted against independence in the referendum, but would back the party on day-to-day issues as Scotland's champion in the UK, would support other parties if independence was back on the election agenda.

The Guardian

Blair said on Wednesday: "I think it's a huge worry in circumstances where you put on the agenda the prospect of Britain leaving.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

To convey a hidden or ulterior motive, use "agenda" with an adjective like "hidden" or "ulterior" to clearly indicate the deceptive nature of the plan.

Common error

Don't use "agenda" without specifying what the plans or objectives are. For clarity, always provide context or details about the "agenda" being discussed to avoid ambiguity.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "agenda" is that of a noun. As Ludwig AI explains, it can refer to a list of items to be discussed or a plan of action. For example, "The meeting's agenda included budget review".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Formal & Business

30%

Science

20%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "agenda" functions primarily as a noun, denoting a list of topics or a plan of action. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically sound and frequently employed across various contexts, particularly in News & Media and Formal & Business settings. When using "agenda", ensure clarity by specifying the context or details of the plans or objectives. Avoid vagueness to prevent misinterpretation. Alternatives like ""schedule"" or "program" may be appropriate depending on the nuance you wish to convey. By adhering to these guidelines, you can effectively use "agenda" in your writing and communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

order of business

Specifically refers to the sequence of items to be addressed in a meeting or formal setting.

slate of issues

A collection of public policy or political matters under consideration.

schedule of events

Focuses on the temporal arrangement of activities, rather than a broader set of objectives.

plan of action

Highlights the steps or strategies intended to achieve a specific goal.

list of priorities

Emphasizes the ranking of important tasks or issues.

program of activities

Implies a structured sequence of events, often within a specific timeframe or project.

set of objectives

Concentrates on the desired outcomes rather than the process or sequence.

list of topics

A more general term referring to subjects for discussion or consideration.

strategic roadmap

Emphasizes the long-term goals and strategies of an organization or project.

to-do list

Refers to a more personal or informal compilation of tasks to be completed.

FAQs

How do I use "agenda" in a sentence?

You can use "agenda" to refer to a list of topics to be discussed in a meeting, as in, "The "agenda" for the meeting includes budget review and project updates." It can also refer to a plan or goal, like "The politician's "agenda" focuses on economic reform".

What's the difference between "agenda" and "schedule"?

"Agenda" typically refers to a list of items to be discussed or tasks to be completed, often in a meeting or event. A "schedule", on the other hand, is a timetable showing the sequence and timing of events. While an "agenda" may be part of a "schedule", they are not interchangeable.

What can I say instead of "agenda"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "program", ""schedule"", "plan", "list of priorities", or "order of business".

Which is correct, "the agenda is" or "the agenda are"?

"Agenda" is generally treated as a singular noun when referring to a single list or plan, so "the "agenda" is" is usually correct. However, "agendas" is the plural form and would be used with "are", as in, "The agendas are available online".