be on amicable terms with

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be on amicable terms with" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a friendly and cooperative relationship between individuals or groups. Example: "Despite their differences, they managed to be on amicable terms with each other for the sake of the project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

Halsey, meanwhile, has always liked to be on amicable terms with players, managers and the game at large.

Independent

It's a critical time to be on amicable terms with the White House, with regulations being finalized and with possible tax increases on the horizon.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

She is on amicable terms with her ex, comedian Lenny Henry, with whom she raised their adopted daughter, Billie, who is now in her early 20s.

The Guardian

(People close to JPMorgan said that the departure was on amicable terms. The bank will use Mr. Woolery and Cadwalader as legal advisers on the Dell transaction, for instance).

The New York Times

Foliot and Becket seem to have been on amicable terms until 1163, but their relationship seems to have soured after that date.

Wikipedia

Since The Jonas Brothers called it quits after canceling their fall tour back in 2013, pop sensations Kevin, Joe and Nick are on amicable terms, the eldest brother told HuffPost Live on Tuesday.

Huffington Post

Yet after presiding over a miraculous escape from relegation last spring, Advocaat leaves on amicable terms, with all parties hoping that his successor has enough time to keep Sunderland out of the Championship.

The Guardian - Sport

The move was "negotiated on amicable terms and both regretted the necessity for the decision," it said.

The New York Times

But the dispute was settled on "amicable" terms outside court, said a spokesman for Mr Fuller's company.

The Guardian

Jimmy Carter and Gerald R. Ford seem to be on pretty amicable terms these days despite their own close election in 1976.

The New York Times

One year after founding anonymish app Secret with fellow Googler David Byttow, Chrys Bader-Wechseler is leaving the company on amicable terms.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about formal situations such as business negotiations or legal settlements, using "be on amicable terms with" can convey a sense of professionalism and mutual respect.

Common error

Avoid using "be on amicable terms with" in very casual or informal contexts. It can sound overly formal or stiff in everyday conversation; simpler phrases like "get along with" might be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be on amicable terms with" functions as a predicate, describing the state of a relationship between two or more parties. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is correct and usable. It often implies a conscious effort to maintain a polite and cooperative relationship, even in potentially difficult circumstances.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "be on amicable terms with" is a grammatically sound phrase used to describe a friendly and cooperative relationship, often in situations where maintaining politeness is important. While Ludwig AI confirms its correctness, the phrase is relatively uncommon and leans toward a neutral to professional register, making it suitable for news reports, business contexts, and formal writing. If a less formal tone is desired, consider alternatives like "get along with" or "be friendly with". Remember to avoid using the phrase in very casual settings, where it might sound out of place.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be friendly with

Similar to 'have a friendly relationship with' but more concise.

have a friendly relationship with

Replaces the formal "amicable terms" with a more casual "friendly relationship".

have a cordial relationship with

Uses 'cordial' to emphasize politeness and formality.

maintain good relations with

Focuses on the act of maintaining a positive relationship.

get along well with

A more informal way of saying that people have a good relationship.

cultivate a positive relationship with

Emphasizes the active effort to build and maintain a good relationship.

be at peace with

Highlights the absence of conflict and presence of harmony.

be in harmony with

Suggests a balanced and cooperative relationship.

see eye to eye with

Emphasizes agreement and shared understanding.

keep the peace with

Highlights the effort to avoid conflict.

FAQs

How can I use "be on amicable terms with" in a sentence?

You can use "be on amicable terms with" to describe a friendly or cooperative relationship. For example: "Despite their differences, they managed to "be on amicable terms with" each other for the sake of their children."

What's a less formal way to say "be on amicable terms with"?

If you're looking for a less formal alternative, consider using phrases like "get along with" or "be friendly with". These options are more suitable for casual conversations.

Is it always appropriate to use "be on amicable terms with"?

While "be on amicable terms with" is grammatically correct, it's best suited for situations where you want to convey a sense of formality and politeness. In very informal settings, a simpler phrase may be more appropriate.

What is the difference between ""be on amicable terms with"" and "be on good terms with"?

The phrases are quite similar; however, "be on amicable terms with" suggests a slightly higher degree of formality and mutual respect than "be on good terms with".