agree upon

USAGE SUMMARY

"agree upon" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when there is an agreement that needs to be reached between two or more people, where there is an implied understanding that all parties involved have discussed the matter and have come to a conclusion. For example, "The two parties agreed upon a resolution that would benefit both of them."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Now, there's a motion all sides can agree upon.

The New Yorker

And if so, what else can they all agree upon?

The New York Times - Tech

After all, things we agree upon are arguably more important than those we do not agree upon.

The New York Times

"It's a physical object that you create, that you agree upon.

The Guardian - Film

That is something we should all agree upon -- whether you are for or against nuclear power.

The New York Times

However, they have been able to agree upon the demands of their revolution.

The Guardian - Opinion

At least we discovered that we can agree upon, and maybe even afford, certain crucial upgrades.

The New York Times

I think they agree upon that and that won't be the hardest task.

The Guardian

We're never likely to agree upon what such an essence is.

The Guardian - Opinion

That is significantly more than the $60 billion both parties had seemed to agree upon.

The New York Times

He has yet to get the family to agree upon a joint public statement.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "agree upon", ensure that all parties involved have actively participated in the discussion and decision-making process, not just passively accepted the outcome.

Common error

Avoid using "agree upon" when one party dictates the terms and the other simply complies. Use phrases like "accepted the terms" or "complied with" to reflect that dynamic more accurately.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "agree upon" functions as a verb phrase, indicating a process of reaching a mutual decision or understanding. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage and the examples illustrate its applicability in various contexts, signifying consensus-building.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

49%

Science

33%

Wiki

12%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Formal & Business

5%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "agree upon" is a versatile and commonly used phrase that denotes a mutual decision or understanding reached after deliberation. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage, and the examples show its applicability across various contexts. While generally neutral in register, it tends to appear more frequently in news, scientific, and formal writing. Remember to use it when all parties have actively participated in the decision-making process. Consider alternatives like "reach an agreement" or "come to a consensus" for different nuances. By understanding its proper usage and common pitfalls, you can effectively incorporate "agree upon" into your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

reach an agreement

This phrase is more general and emphasizes the outcome of the agreement rather than the process.

come to a consensus

This alternative highlights the collective aspect of the agreement, suggesting a shared opinion among a group.

settle on

This suggests choosing one option after considering others, often implying a degree of compromise.

decide jointly

This phrase directly indicates a shared decision-making process.

find common ground

This focuses on the underlying shared beliefs or interests that allow an agreement to be reached.

be in accord

This is a more formal way of saying agree, suggesting a state of harmonious understanding.

arrive at a mutual understanding

This emphasizes the comprehension and acceptance of each other's viewpoints as part of the agreement.

shake hands on

This idiom suggests a finalization of the agreement, often implying a formal or binding commitment.

see eye to eye

This reflects a shared viewpoint before any formal consensus is discussed.

find a middle ground

Highlights compromising in order to reach an agreement, particularly when initial viewpoints diverge.

FAQs

How can I use "agree upon" in a sentence?

You can use "agree upon" to describe a mutual decision or understanding, like, "The committee members "agreed upon" the budget proposal" or "The countries "agreed upon" a trade agreement".

What's a more formal alternative to "agree upon"?

For a more formal tone, consider using "reach a consensus", "be in accord", or "arrive at a mutual understanding".

Is it always necessary to use "upon" after "agree"?

No, "agree" can be used alone, especially when followed by "to", "with", or "that". "Agree upon" specifically implies reaching a mutual decision or settlement on something. If you wish to say that you concur with a person, you can just say you "agree with" someone.

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

"Agree on" and "agree upon" are often used interchangeably, but "agree upon" may imply a more formal or deliberate process of reaching an agreement. They both mean to have the same opinion about something. You can "agree on" or "agree upon" a price.