definitive agreement

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "definitive agreement" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used in legal and business contexts to refer to a formal and binding contract between parties. Example: "After months of negotiations, both companies finally signed the definitive agreement to merge."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But it added that no definitive agreement had been entered into.

The Guardian - Business

Mitsubishi and Morgan announced a definitive agreement last week, but others have not been so lucky.

The New York Times

"We have a definitive agreement," a Teamsters spokesman, Bret Caldwell, said.

The New York Times

A definitive agreement on this issue was not reached, people close to the talks said.

The New York Times

Additional terms of the transaction will not be disclosed until a definitive agreement is reached.

The New York Times

The agreement remains subject to certain conditions, including the execution of a definitive agreement.

The New York Times

"I received a new round of comments on our definitive agreement," Einhorn said.

The New York Times - Sports

The deal has not been finalized but both parties have entered a definitive agreement.

The New York Times

Energy Recovery Inc ERII) has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Pump Engineering LLC.

Filtration Industry Analyst

The company said: "Whilst good progress has been made, a definitive agreement has yet to be reached.

The Guardian - Business

Grand Union said that it expected that a definitive agreement would be entered into before the auction.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In legal and business documents, follow up the initial mention of a "definitive agreement" with specific details about its key terms and conditions.

Common error

Avoid using "definitive agreement" when referring to preliminary agreements or term sheets. Ensure all parties have signed the document and that it is intended to be legally binding.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "definitive agreement" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It identifies a specific type of contract, as seen in Ludwig's examples. The adjective "definitive" clarifies that the agreement is final and binding.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Formal & Business

30%

Science

25%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "definitive agreement" refers to a final and legally binding contract, commonly used in business and legal settings. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. It is important to use it accurately, distinguishing it from preliminary agreements. Alternatives like "binding agreement" or "final agreement" can be used to emphasize specific aspects. This phrase appears frequently in news, formal business documents, and scientific publications.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

binding agreement

Focuses on the legally binding aspect of the agreement.

final agreement

Emphasizes the conclusion of negotiations and the settled nature of the arrangement.

executed agreement

Highlights the formal signing and completion of the agreement.

concluded agreement

Similar to "final agreement" but emphasizes the act of bringing the agreement to an end.

settled terms

Focuses on the agreed-upon conditions rather than the entire agreement.

formal contract

Highlights the contractual nature and formality of the agreement.

official accord

Emphasizes the official and documented aspect of the agreement.

ratified agreement

Highlights the approval or confirmation of the agreement by relevant parties.

formalized understanding

Focuses on the documented and structured nature of the agreement.

signed pact

Emphasizes the act of signing and the commitment made through the agreement.

FAQs

What is a "definitive agreement"?

A "definitive agreement" is a legally binding contract that outlines the final terms and conditions agreed upon by all parties involved in a transaction, such as a merger, acquisition, or sale.

When is it appropriate to use the term "definitive agreement"?

Use "definitive agreement" when referring to a fully executed and binding contract that represents the culmination of negotiations and due diligence. It should not be used for preliminary agreements or term sheets.

What are some alternatives to "definitive agreement"?

Alternatives include "binding agreement", "final agreement", or "executed agreement", depending on the specific aspect you want to emphasize.

How does a "definitive agreement" differ from a letter of intent?

A "definitive agreement" is a legally binding contract, while a letter of intent (LOI) is generally non-binding and outlines the preliminary terms of a potential transaction. The "definitive agreement" supersedes the LOI once it is executed.