agree to observe

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "agree to observe" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when indicating consent to follow or adhere to certain rules, guidelines, or practices. Example: "We all need to agree to observe the safety protocols during the event to ensure everyone's well-being."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

What's more, they got Google, Microsoft, Yahoo and AOL to agree to observe them.

The Guardian - Opinion

But China has refused to join the MRC or to agree to observe its resource management guidelines, preferring to remain a "dialogue partner".

Yale University

It may still be useful for groups of governments (like the Council of Europe) to band together to agree to observe certain standards.

The Economist

Mayor Dickinson said that he admired Dr. King and his achievements, but that he would not agree to observe the holiday unless the labor unions that represent town workers first agreed to give up one of their other paid holidays.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

Pomahac agreed to observe the procedure, to see how he could be unobtrusive.

The New Yorker

On that occasion, the British media had been aware of the deployment but agreed to observe a strict media blackout.

The Guardian

The Palestinians have suspended their intifada: most of the armed factions have agreed to observe a truce, though they call it merely a tahdia, or "lull".

The Economist

In Thursday morning's session the two teams agreed to observe a minute's silence to remember the victims of "terrorism" – but quickly blamed each other for perpetrating the violence.

The Guardian

The mortar fire interrupted a ceasefire called for by the UN on humanitarian grounds, which both Israel and Hamas had agreed to observe between 0700 GMT and 1200 GMT.

The Guardian

Later that month the Chinese signed the Beijing Convention, in which they agreed to observe the treaties of Tianjin and also ceded to the British the southern portion of the Kowloon Peninsula adjacent to Hong Kong.

Britannica

Later that year the Chinese signed the Beijing Convention, in which they agreed to observe the treaties of Tianjin and also ceded to the British the southern portion of the Kowloon Peninsula adjacent to Hong Kong.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "agree to observe", ensure that the context clearly defines what is being observed, whether it's rules, guidelines, or a process.

Common error

A common error is using the phrase with a singular subject but a plural verb form. For example, avoid saying "He agree to observe" and instead use "He agrees to observe".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "agree to observe" functions primarily as a verb phrase, indicating a commitment or acceptance of a specific action or guideline. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

33%

Academia

33%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "agree to observe" signifies a commitment to follow specific guidelines or actions. While grammatically sound, it is relatively rare according to Ludwig's analysis. Predominantly found in News & Media, Science, and Academic sources, its formality varies based on context. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness, and related phrases like "consent to abide by" and "commit to adhere to" offer alternative ways to express similar intent. To ensure clarity, specify what exactly is being observed, and remember subject-verb agreement.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

consent to abide by

This alternative uses "consent" to emphasize voluntary agreement and "abide by" to highlight adherence to rules.

commit to adhere to

This indicates a strong commitment to following a set of rules or principles.

pledge to comply with

This phrase implies a formal promise or commitment to follow specific guidelines or regulations.

undertake to follow

This suggests a formal undertaking or promise to adhere to certain guidelines.

vow to respect

This emphasizes a solemn promise to show regard for certain principles or agreements.

assent to uphold

This suggests a formal agreement to maintain or defend certain standards or practices.

concur to honor

This implies a mutual agreement to respect and fulfill certain obligations or commitments.

promise to keep

This phrase highlights a personal assurance to maintain certain standards or agreements.

accept to respect

This indicates an agreement to acknowledge and show consideration for certain rules or principles.

acknowledge to follow

This suggests an understanding and acceptance of the need to adhere to specific guidelines.

FAQs

How can I use "agree to observe" in a sentence?

You can use "agree to observe" to indicate a commitment to follow a rule or guideline. For example, "All participants must agree to observe the safety regulations."

What are some alternatives to "agree to observe"?

You can use alternatives like "pledge to comply with", "commit to adhere to", or "consent to abide by" depending on the context.

Is it more formal to say "agree to observe" or "promise to follow"?

"Agree to observe" tends to be slightly more formal, especially in official or legal contexts. "Promise to follow" is more general and can be used in both formal and informal situations.

What does it mean to "agree to observe" a ceasefire?

To "agree to observe" a ceasefire means that parties involved in a conflict have committed to refrain from fighting for a specified period. It's an agreement to halt hostilities, even if temporarily.