agreement

USAGE SUMMARY

The word “agreement” is correct and can be used in written English.
It refers to a mutual understanding between two or more parties, and can be used in a variety of contexts. For example, “The two companies signed an agreement to collaborate on a new product.”.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The grievances aren't unreasonable, on either side, but the focus on fairness, by making it harder to reach any kind of agreement at all, could prove disastrous.

The New York Times

"It was a five-party agreement.

The Guardian

States and territories will also lose access to reward payments for reducing waiting times under the national partnership agreement on improving public hospital services, saving the federal government $201m over three years.

The Guardian

The world economy was in a tailspin and facing disaster to match the 1930s, but Brown had a plan which he had compared to the Bretton Woods agreement that shaped the world's postwar economic infrastructure.

The Guardian

Let Nick Clegg be clear: "The Liberal Democrats will add a heart to a Conservative government, and a brain to a Labour one!" Unfortunately, courage for the cowardly lion will be a casualty of any coalition agreement.

The Guardian

However, they were unable to close a comprehensive deal because of differences between the DUP and pro-Good Friday agreement parties over changes to the political institution.

The Guardian

"The court held that, in their operation with respect to the challenged funding agreement and the challenged payments made under that agreement, none of the challenged provisions is a valid law of the commonwealth," the high court said in a judgment summary.

The Guardian

With only an outline sketch of an agreement on the table, many of Europe's most senior policymakers are of the opinion that a crisis point will be reached and that Athens's radical left Syriza government will be forced to either capitulate to Brussels or quit the euro.

The Guardian

It is a more fundamental difference over what to discuss and what kind of agreement will stabilise Greek finances and provide the best long term solution for the currency union.

The Guardian

Wallach says that the agreement is based on the terms of the US-Korea free-trade agreement, which were derived from Nafta.

The Guardian - Business

The Trans Pacific Partnership, although billed as a trade agreement, includes provisions on intellectual property and copyright that are usually outside the boundaries of trade, critics say.

The Guardian - Business

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In less formal communications, consider synonyms like "understanding" or "accord" to make the tone more appropriate.

Common error

Avoid vague language when specifying the terms of the "agreement". Clearly define responsibilities, timelines, and expected outcomes to minimize potential disputes or misunderstandings.

Linguistic Context

The word "agreement" primarily functions as a noun, representing a mutual understanding or arrangement between two or more parties. Ludwig and numerous examples confirm its use in describing formal contracts, treaties, or informal understandings.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Formal & Business

24%

Science

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "agreement", as confirmed by Ludwig, is a grammatically correct noun that signifies a mutual understanding, contract, or accord. It's very common in various contexts, particularly in News & Media and Formal & Business settings. To enhance clarity, avoid vague language when specifying the terms of the "agreement". Consider alternatives like "accord" or "understanding" for less formal contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

meeting of minds

Emphasizes the shared understanding and consensus.

mutual understanding

Emphasizes the shared comprehension between parties.

accord

Denotes a harmonious agreement or settlement.

concordance

Highlights a state of harmony or alignment.

terms of understanding

Focuses on the specific conditions agreed upon.

contractual arrangement

Specifies a legally binding agreement.

formal pact

Indicates a solemn or official agreement.

settlement

Focuses on the resolution of a dispute or negotiation.

covenant

Suggests a binding and often moral agreement.

treaty

Implies a formal agreement between nations.

FAQs

How can I use "agreement" in a sentence?

You can use "agreement" to describe a mutual understanding, a legally binding contract, or a state of harmony. For example, "The two companies reached an agreement to merge".

What are some synonyms for "agreement"?

Alternatives to "agreement" include "accord", "understanding", "contract", or "pact", depending on the specific context.

What's the difference between "agreement" and "understanding"?

"Agreement" often implies a formal or explicit arrangement, whereas "understanding" can be more informal and based on implicit consent or shared knowledge.

When should I use "agreement" instead of "arrangement"?

"Agreement" is suitable when emphasizing mutual consent and defined terms. Use "arrangement" when the focus is on the organization or plan, rather than the consent itself.