common accord

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "common accord" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where people are in agreement or harmony on a particular issue or decision. Example: "The committee reached a common accord on the new policy after extensive discussions."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

29 human-written examples

Find that common accord, Mr Jenkins.

The Guardian - Business

An agreement, by common accord, preserves the interests of both parties.

The Guardian - Sport

They cannot exist without common accord and, in recent times, common expenditure".

The Guardian - Business

From across the woods, as if by common accord, birds left their trees and darted upward.

The New Yorker

If the votes are equally divided, the choice of the Umpire is intrusted to a third Power, selected by the parties by common accord.

Yale University

I'm not suggesting that the negotiators decided not to talk about fossil fuels, or signed a common accord to waste their lives.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

31 human-written examples

Repeated infestations are now common, according to the British Association of Dermatologists.

The Guardian

Such failures are common, according to veterans groups.

The Washington Post

Her story is common, according to AIDS professionals.

The New York Times

This condition, called silent ischemia, is surprisingly common, according to the May 2015 Harvard Heart Letter.

Harvard University

What do drivers of Hummers and hybrids have in common, according to the article?

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "common accord" when you want to emphasize that an agreement has been reached collectively and with a sense of shared purpose. It suggests a level of harmony and mutual understanding beyond a simple agreement.

Common error

Avoid using "common accord" in very informal contexts. While generally acceptable, it carries a slightly formal tone. Opt for simpler alternatives like "agreement" or "understanding" in casual conversations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "common accord" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often serving as the object of a preposition or verb. It describes a state of agreement or harmony, and Ludwig AI confirms its valid usage in English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Formal & Business

34%

Academia

19%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

3%

Science

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "common accord" is a grammatically sound and frequently used noun phrase that signifies mutual agreement and shared understanding. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, this phrase is most commonly found in News & Media and Formal & Business contexts, indicating its suitability for professional and formal communication. When aiming to convey a sense of unity and collective decision-making, "common accord" serves as a strong and appropriate choice, though be mindful of its slightly formal register and consider simpler alternatives for casual settings. Remember to use it to emphasize harmony beyond a simple agreement. Alternatives such as ""mutual agreement"" or "consensus" may be preferable.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

mutual agreement

Emphasizes the reciprocity of the agreement.

shared understanding

Highlights the mutual comprehension between parties.

consensus

Focuses on a general agreement reached by a group.

unanimous agreement

Stresses that everyone is in complete agreement.

collective decision

Highlights that the decision was made as a group.

joint agreement

Emphasizes that the agreement involves multiple parties acting together.

harmonious resolution

Suggests a peaceful and agreeable settlement.

concerted action

Focuses on coordinated efforts resulting from an agreement.

united front

Implies a unified position taken after reaching an agreement.

like-mindedness

Highlights a shared perspective or philosophy that facilitates agreement.

FAQs

How to use "common accord" in a sentence?

You can use "common accord" to describe situations where parties come to a mutual agreement or understanding. For example: "The treaty was ratified by "mutual agreement" of the participating nations."

What can I say instead of "common accord"?

You can use alternatives like ""mutual agreement"", "shared understanding", or "consensus" depending on the specific context.

Is "common accord" formal or informal?

The phrase "common accord" is generally considered more formal than informal. It's suitable for professional, academic, or news contexts.

What is the difference between "common accord" and "agreement"?

"Agreement" is a general term for mutual understanding. "Common accord" implies a stronger sense of unity and shared purpose in reaching that agreement. The phrase "common accord" emphasizes that the decision was collective and harmonious, unlike a mere "agreement".