exercise in compromise

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "exercise in compromise" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where individuals or groups engage in negotiation or find a middle ground in order to reach an agreement. Example: "The peace talks were an exercise in compromise, as both sides had to make significant concessions to achieve a lasting resolution."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

"It is a good question, to which there is no satisfactory answer other than the observation that legislation is an exercise in compromise".

The New York Times

Negotiating an early-morning bathroom schedule and dealing with contentious bin rotas are a great exercise in compromise and tolerance as well as excellent fodder for ranting about to your friends who don't have the pleasure of living with you.

The Guardian - Opinion

Later, the movie Transamerica "seemed an exercise in compromise", but the French film Wild Side, in which the trans actor Stéphanie Michelini plays a trans character, leaves Jacques "happy to have seen Michelini allowed … such dignity and grace".

The Guardian - Books

The grueling negotiations were a classic exercise in compromise, and a few main issues remained in dispute after negotiators declared late on Wednesday that they had outlined a deal.

The New York Times

Figuring out the optimal core size is an exercise in compromise:Yen argues that by using 10% to 15% of the available transistors, a core can achieve 40% to 50% of the performance of a single chip.

Forbes

Governing is an exercise in compromise and patience, and many members of the Obama coalition grew impatient of compromise and many of us didn't vote in 2010.

HuffPost

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

In the end, analysts said, all presidential contests since the founding of France's Fifth Republic in 1958 have been an exercise in electoral compromise to some degree.

The New York Times

In Iran, by contrast, life is a daily exercise in difficult compromises that temper Islam with modern society's demands.

The New York Times

Opened last December by George Traxanas and Vasili Mastrokostas, A Taste of Greece is an exercise in no compromises or shortcuts.

The New York Times

Bringing up a child between two cultures has proved an exercise in balance and compromise: not always easy at 3am when you're both exhausted and he won't sleep and there are opposing cultural ways of dealing with it on top of the usual confusion.

The Guardian

"Some people think this conference is an exercise in politics, diplomacy and compromise," he said.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about negotiations, use "exercise in compromise" to highlight the active and deliberate nature of the process, particularly when parties adjust their positions.

Common error

While "exercise in compromise" is generally acceptable, avoid overusing it in casual conversations. Opt for simpler terms like "give-and-take" or "meeting halfway" to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "exercise in compromise" functions as a noun phrase that describes a process or activity that involves making concessions and finding common ground. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct and usable. It signifies a deliberate effort to reconcile differing viewpoints or demands, such as negotiation processes and political agreements.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

63%

Wiki

13%

Science

13%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "exercise in compromise" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase that describes an active and deliberate process of making concessions to reach an agreement. As Ludwig AI explains, it's often used to highlight the efforts involved in reconciling differing viewpoints. The phrase appears most frequently in News & Media. When writing, remember that while the phrase is acceptable, avoid overuse in informal contexts. Alternative phrases such as "act of finding middle ground" can be useful. The sources reviewed are generally authoritative, reflecting accurate and reliable usage.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Act of finding middle ground

Focuses on the action of reaching a mutually acceptable position, emphasizing balance.

Process of mutual adjustment

Highlights the reciprocal aspect of adaptation in reaching an agreement.

Practice of give and take

Emphasizes the reciprocal exchange of concessions between parties.

Negotiation resulting in agreement

Focuses on the negotiation aspect and its successful outcome.

A balancing act

Emphasizes the need for careful adjustment and equilibrium between different needs.

Process of reaching consensus

Highlights the collaborative effort to achieve agreement among multiple parties.

Method of reconciling differences

Focuses on overcoming disagreements to achieve harmony.

Path of mutual concession

Emphasizes the concessions made by all parties to reach a resolution.

Way of accommodating conflicting interests

Highlights the need to satisfy differing needs to achieve a common goal.

Art of diplomatic negotiation

Implies skillful and sensitive handling of negotiations to achieve a positive outcome.

FAQs

How can I use "exercise in compromise" in a sentence?

You can use "exercise in compromise" to describe a situation where parties need to make concessions to reach an agreement. For example, "The negotiation process was an exercise in compromise, with both sides giving up some demands".

What are some synonyms for "exercise in compromise"?

Some synonyms include "act of finding middle ground", "process of mutual adjustment", and "practice of give and take".

Is "exercise in compromise" a formal or informal phrase?

"Exercise in compromise" is suitable for both formal and neutral contexts, such as news reports, academic papers, and business documents. However, in very informal situations, simpler terms might be preferred.

What is the difference between "exercise in compromise" and "compromise"?

"Exercise in compromise" emphasizes the active process and effort involved in reaching a compromise, whereas "compromise" simply refers to the agreement itself. It highlights the active process, rather than just the outcome.