contract

USAGE SUMMARY

'contract' is a commonly used and accepted word in written English.
You can use it as a noun, verb, or adjective. Example sentence: The contract stipulates that the project must be completed by the end of the month.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Sport

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

And it is not just something verbal with the coach but something that is written in the contract.

The Guardian - Sport

"EE's decision on Friday is surprising in the context of a contract that has more than a year to run and leaves the board with no alternative but to seek the administrator's protection in the interests of all its stakeholders".

The Guardian - Business

He was suspended by the broadcaster on 10 March before it announced his contract would not be renewed.

The Guardian

Gisby was earmarked to receive a bonus of up to £371,000, but Network Rail said he would be leaving in February without any additional payment beyond that stipulated in his contract.

The Guardian - Business

Prospective managers are apparently being unnerved by PSG's long-term interest in the Arsenal manager, Arsène Wenger, whom they still hope to hire at the end of his contract next summer.

The Guardian - Sport

He said a 2010 contract headed "Sale of Shares" really recorded a loan to his close friend, the then AWH chief executive Girolamo.

The Guardian

But according to Carr the long-delayed decision on Australia's next submarine contract could also be seen as taking sides on regional security issues.

The Guardian

After battling through the smorgasbord of showings, landlords and contract negotiations, the property is, to all intents and purposes, yours.

The Guardian

A security forces officer from Russia's Chechnya region and four other men have been charged in connection with shooting Nemtsov on the Bolshoi Moskvoretsky Bridge near the Kremlin on 27 February, but investigators have failed to get those behind what is widely believed to be a contract killing.

The Guardian

It is not a long contract, just six weeks, and I imagined I, too, might be able to serve out my time in office before anyone noticed my shortcomings, and my failure to harbour any cohesive hermetic vision.

The Guardian - Opinion

But Purnell said there was no intention to contract out big-rating BBC shows such as EastEnders to independent producers as part of director general Tony Hall's plans to open up in-house production to more competition.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use precise language in a "contract" to minimize ambiguity and ensure enforceability. Review and revise carefully before signing.

Common error

Avoid using vague or ambiguous language in a "contract". Clearly define all terms and conditions to prevent misunderstandings and disputes.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "contract" is as a noun, referring to a legally binding agreement between two or more parties. Ludwig confirms this usage, providing numerous examples of "contract" used as a noun, as well as a verb and an adjective.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Formal & Business

30%

Science

15%

Less common in

Sport

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "contract" is a very common term primarily used as a noun to denote a legally binding agreement. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and offers many real-world examples, it can also be used as a verb and as an adjective, even if these uses are less common. Its usage spans various contexts, from news and media to formal business and legal settings. When writing or discussing contracts, it is important to use clear and precise language to avoid ambiguity. Alternatives such as "agreement" or "pact" may be suitable depending on the specific context. Understanding these nuances will help ensure effective communication and avoid potential disputes.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Agreement

Focuses on mutual understanding and terms.

Pact

Implies a formal and binding agreement.

Arrangement

Emphasizes a less formal understanding.

Deal

Highlights a business transaction or negotiation.

Settlement

Suggests resolution and agreement after dispute.

Bargain

Focuses on the negotiation aspect of an agreement.

Undertaking

Highlights a commitment to perform a task.

Covenant

Implies a solemn and binding agreement, often religious.

Bond

Emphasizes a connection or obligation.

Obligation

Highlights the duty to perform specified actions.

FAQs

How to use "contract" in a sentence?

You can use "contract" in a sentence like: "The contract stipulates that the project must be completed by the end of the month." It can also be used as a verb, meaning to reduce in size or scope.

What can I say instead of "contract"?

You can use alternatives like "agreement", "pact", or "arrangement" depending on the context.

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

"Contract" refers to a legally binding agreement, whereas "agreement" can refer to any mutual understanding, whether legally binding or not.

When should I use "contract" versus "contracting"?

"Contract" is typically a noun referring to the agreement itself. "Contracting" is the present participle or gerund form of the verb "to contract", indicating the act of entering into a contract or reducing in size.