agree over

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "agree over" is not commonly used in written English and may sound awkward.
It can be used when discussing a consensus or agreement on a specific topic or issue, but "agree on" is more standard. Example: "After much discussion, we finally managed to agree over the terms of the contract."

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But while many agree over the effect of the riots on communities and livelihoods, homing in on a specific problem – the economy, cuts to youth services, poverty rates, consumerism – is a much more complex area for public policy makers.

The Guardian

To function as a decentralized network that no single entity controls, any cryptocurrency requires a consensus protocol a process that nodes in its blockchain network use to agree, over and over again, that the information in the blockchain is valid.

MIT Technology Review

Darwin noted that there was considerable variation among taxa in the form of eyes, and modern researchers agree: over 96% of animal species have eyes capable of generating signals good enough to form an image, though the forms that eyes take vary greatly (Fernald 2006).

Evolution: Education and Outreach

"I just don't think we're going to agree" over the long term.

The New York Times

People can agree over metaphysical principles and differ massively and violently over what those principles mean in practice.

The Economist

"Although Tamiflu speeds up recovery times, experts do not agree over its ability to reduce complications and hospitalisations.

Independent

'Syria is unique because both the regime and the people are concerned with the same issues: they agree over the Arab-Israeli conflict; they agree in supporting the Palestinians; they agree over the Anglo-US invasion of Iraq.

The Guardian

Industry and insurance groups cannot agree over how to contribute to the fund, and some now oppose the bill.

The New York Times

But negotiations break down after India, China and the US fail to agree over measures to protect poor farmers.

The Guardian - Business

In the city where nationalists and unionists cannot even agree over its name, perhaps the row was inevitable.

The Guardian

According to the same quiz I agree over 90% with Clinton, but I can't bring myself to vote for her.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

While "agree over" is understandable, consider using the more common and natural-sounding alternative "agree on" for improved clarity and acceptance.

Common error

Avoid using "agree over" in highly formal writing. Opt for "agree on" or "reach an agreement regarding" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "agree over" functions as a verb phrase where 'agree' is the verb, and 'over' is a preposition indicating the subject of the agreement. Ludwig indicates that it's less common than "agree on" but still understandable.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Social Media

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "agree over" is used to indicate consensus on a particular subject, but as Ludwig indicates, it's less common than the more standard "agree on". While grammatically acceptable, "agree over" may sound less natural or even awkward to some native English speakers, especially in formal contexts. Therefore, opting for "agree on" or similar alternatives like "reach an agreement on" is often advisable to maintain clarity and professionalism. Ludwig's analysis of various sources highlights its usage in News & Media, Science, and Academia, suggesting a relatively broad but less frequent application compared to its more popular counterpart, and it is advisable to rely on more common and clear alternatives.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

agree on

More common and standard alternative with a similar meaning.

reach an agreement on

A more formal way of expressing a similar concept.

concur on

A slightly more formal synonym for "agree on".

come to a consensus about

Focuses on the process of achieving agreement.

see eye to eye on

An idiomatic expression indicating complete agreement.

find common ground on

Highlights the shared basis for agreement.

be in accord regarding

A formal phrase indicating harmony in opinion.

be of one mind about

Emphasizes unity of thought or opinion.

be unanimous about

Indicates complete agreement from everyone involved.

settle on

Emphasizes the final decision reached after discussion.

FAQs

What is the difference between "agree over" and "agree on"?

While both phrases indicate a consensus, "agree on" is more standard and widely accepted in English. "Agree over" is less common and can sound awkward to some native speakers. Therefore, it's generally best to use "agree on".

Is it grammatically incorrect to say "agree over"?

No, it's not strictly grammatically incorrect, but it's less idiomatic than "agree on". Using "agree on" is generally preferred for clearer and more natural communication.

When is it appropriate to use "agree over"?

Although less common, "agree over" can be used when discussing a specific topic or issue where a consensus is reached, but "agree on" remains the preferred choice. Always consider your audience and the context of your writing.

What are some alternative phrases to "agree over"?

Besides "agree on", you can use phrases like "reach an agreement on", "come to a consensus about", or "see eye to eye on", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.