formal agreement

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "formal agreement" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a legally binding contract or a mutual understanding between parties that is documented in a structured manner. Example: "Before proceeding with the project, we need to draft a formal agreement outlining the terms and conditions."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

A formal agreement will be signed next week.

The New York Times

The companies have no formal agreement, Fujitsu said.

The New York Times

There has never been a formal agreement between them.

The New Yorker

But Bank of America never signed a formal agreement.

The New York Times

"We were about an inch away from a formal agreement.

The Guardian

The clubs are yet to reach a formal agreement.

Independent

(Mr. Sorial said there was no formal agreement).

The New York Times

No formal agreement is necessary to constitute an unlawful conspiracy.

Cornell University

Anyone taking in lodgers should consider drawing up a formal agreement.

The Guardian - Money

A spokesman for the owner said that a formal agreement had not been signed.

The New York Times - Arts

There is not a formal agreement with the city on any new tax rate.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When drafting a "formal agreement", ensure all parties involved have legal representation to review the terms and conditions before signing.

Common error

Don't rely solely on verbal assurances. Always convert important understandings into a written and "formal agreement" to ensure enforceability and clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "formal agreement" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object of a verb. It refers to a legally or officially recognized understanding between two or more parties, as illustrated in Ludwig's examples where entities "reach a formal agreement" or "sign a formal agreement".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Formal & Business

25%

Science

10%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "formal agreement" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe a legally or officially recognized understanding between parties. Ludwig highlights its prevalent use in news and business contexts, emphasizing its role in denoting clarity and commitment. When using this phrase, ensure all terms are clearly defined and legally reviewed. While alternatives like "official accord" and "written contract" exist, "formal agreement" remains a versatile and widely accepted choice for describing such arrangements.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

official accord

Replaces "agreement" with "accord", suggesting a higher level of official endorsement.

written contract

Specifies that the agreement is documented in writing and legally binding.

legal arrangement

Highlights the legal aspect and enforceability of the agreement.

signed treaty

Implies a formal agreement between nations or organizations, often of significant importance.

binding commitment

Emphasizes the obligatory nature and seriousness of the agreement.

explicit understanding

Highlights that the agreement is clearly and unambiguously defined.

documented settlement

Suggests that the agreement resolves a dispute or disagreement and is formally recorded.

ratified pact

Indicates that the agreement has been formally approved and confirmed.

mutual compact

Stresses the reciprocity and shared commitment of the agreement.

structured understanding

Indicates that the understanding or agreement is part of a larger plan.

FAQs

How do you use "formal agreement" in a sentence?

A "formal agreement" is used to document mutual understanding between parties. For example: "The companies signed a "formal agreement" to collaborate on the project."

What are some alternatives to using "formal agreement"?

Depending on the context, you could use "official accord", "written contract", or "legal arrangement" as alternatives to "formal agreement".

What distinguishes a "formal agreement" from an informal one?

A "formal agreement" typically involves a written document, specific terms and conditions, and legal enforceability, whereas an informal agreement may be based on verbal understandings and lack legal protection.

When is it necessary to have a "formal agreement"?

It's necessary to have a "formal agreement" when dealing with significant financial transactions, partnerships, or any situation where clarity and legal protection are essential. For example, when starting a business, a "formal partnership" agreement is critical.