agreement in principle

USAGE SUMMARY

"agreement in principle" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used when two or more parties have reached an agreement that is not yet legally binding or finalized. For example: "We have come to an agreement in principle about the terms of the contract."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

reached an agreement in principle. . . .

The New Yorker

Macfarlane said he supported the agreement in principle.

The Guardian

The companies reached an agreement in principle last week.

The New York Times

We have an agreement in principle, and we're moving forward".

The New York Times

Wednesday's announcement was for an "agreement in principle".

The New York Times

The parties have since reached a new agreement in principle.

The New York Times

Dean Holdsworth has reached an agreement in principle to become the new manager of Aldershot Town.

The Guardian - Sport

The commission and Generali reached an agreement in principle in July.

The New York Times

We declared all our income and liabilities and got an agreement in principle.

The Guardian - Money

Yitzhak Rabin and Mr. Arafat reached an agreement in principle on a peace settlement in 1993.

The New York Times

The "agreement in principle" was hailed in Brussels as a breakthrough.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Follow up an announcement of an "agreement in principle" with a timeline for finalizing the details to maintain momentum and transparency.

Common error

Avoid treating an "agreement in principle" as a fully binding contract. Clearly state that it's subject to further negotiation and documentation to prevent misunderstandings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "agreement in principle" functions as a noun phrase, typically used as the object of a verb like "reach", "have", or "announce". As demonstrated by Ludwig, it describes a preliminary consensus or understanding between parties.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

59%

Formal & Business

25%

Science

16%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "agreement in principle" is a common noun phrase that indicates a preliminary understanding between parties, frequently used in news and formal business settings. As confirmed by Ludwig, it's grammatically correct and signals that core elements are settled while details remain to be finalized. When using this phrase, remember that it is not a binding contract. Alternative phrases like "preliminary agreement" or "tentative agreement" may be suitable depending on context. Always clarify the non-binding nature of an "agreement in principle" to avoid misinterpretations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

preliminary agreement

This alternative suggests an agreement that is in its early stages and not yet finalized.

tentative agreement

This option indicates an agreement that is subject to change or confirmation.

provisional agreement

This implies an agreement that is temporary and dependent on further conditions.

basic understanding

This phrase conveys a fundamental level of agreement without all the details being settled.

initial accord

This suggests the first stage of reaching an agreement or settlement.

preliminary understanding

This option means an understanding that is at the initial stage and has to be confirmed.

general consensus

This term emphasizes a broad agreement on the main points, though specifics may differ.

verbal commitment

This implies an agreement reached orally, without formal documentation.

conceptual agreement

Focuses on the alignment of ideas and concepts rather than a fully detailed plan.

handshake deal

Informal agreement based on trust, without a detailed contract.

FAQs

How is "agreement in principle" used in legal contexts?

In legal contexts, an "agreement in principle" serves as a preliminary understanding between parties, outlining the main terms they intend to agree upon. It's not a fully enforceable contract but demonstrates a mutual intent to move forward. Further formal documentation is required to make it legally binding.

What can I say instead of "agreement in principle"?

You can use alternatives like "preliminary agreement", "tentative agreement", or "provisional agreement" depending on the context.

What's the difference between "agreement in principle" and "memorandum of understanding"?

While both indicate a preliminary agreement, a "memorandum of understanding" is generally more formal and detailed than an "agreement in principle". A memorandum outlines specific intentions and expectations but is not always legally binding, whereas an agreement in principle simply establishes a basic understanding.

When should I use "agreement in principle" versus a more definitive term?

Use "agreement in principle" when parties have reached a basic understanding but need to finalize details. Opt for more definitive terms like "contract" or "final agreement" when all terms are settled and legally binding.