formally agree

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "formally agree" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when indicating a consensus or approval that is done in an official or structured manner. Example: "After much discussion, we have decided to formally agree on the terms of the contract."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

28 human-written examples

But his diocese has yet to formally agree a policy, conceded a spokesperson.

The Guardian

Districts that are found to be out of compliance with federal law must formally agree to correct illegal practices.

The New York Times

OPEC could also formally agree to stick to its existing goal of 24.8 million barrels a day.

The New York Times

Parents should also formally agree not to let their childcare responsibilities interfere with their ability to do the job.

The Guardian

The department said it had clarified the conditions of claiming benefits, to which jobseekers must formally agree.

The Guardian

The court was told, according to news reports, that Mr. O'Dwyer would travel to the United States in two weeks to formally agree to the deal.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

31 human-written examples

Nothing has been formally agreed.

The Guardian

Cabinet this morning formally agreed to that work".

The Guardian

Unfortunately, so far, only Australia and a few other countries have formally agreed to them.

The Economist

Frederick later formally agreed to permit the agents to search for cameras, computers, and storage devices.

The New Yorker

But Mr Abdullah is claiming he never formally agreed to the terms.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about less official or more flexible agreements, consider using alternatives like "settle the terms" or "reach a consensus".

Common error

Avoid using "formally agree" when describing informal understandings or casual agreements. Opt for terms like "agreed" or "understood" in those situations to maintain appropriate tone and accuracy.

Linguistic Context

Formally agree functions as a verb phrase indicating a deliberate act of reaching an official agreement. It signifies a higher level of commitment than simply "agreeing", often involving established protocols or legal implications. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in the examples provided.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Formal & Business

25%

Science

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

Formally agree is a common and grammatically sound verb phrase used to describe an official agreement, typically in news, business, and scientific contexts. Ludwig AI analysis indicates its suitability for conveying structured and deliberate consensus. When writing, it is important to differentiate between official and casual agreements, using alternatives as needed. When deciding between different variations of agreement-related phrases, consider the nuanced distinctions in formality. With a source quality score of 91 and expert rating of 4.6, it demonstrates robust usage across authoritative sources.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

officially consent

Focuses on the act of giving official permission or approval.

ratify the agreement

Implies a formal validation or confirmation of an existing agreement.

endorse the proposal

Suggests a public declaration of support for a specific plan or suggestion.

approve formally

Emphasizes the act of giving official approval to something.

sign a treaty

Refers to a formal agreement between nations, often involving detailed negotiations.

enter into a contract

Specifies the act of creating a legally binding agreement.

conclude an accord

Implies reaching a settlement or understanding, especially after negotiations.

settle the terms

Focuses on finalizing the specific details and conditions of an agreement.

reach a consensus formally

Highlights the process of achieving agreement among a group in a structured manner.

legally stipulate

Emphasizes the legal aspect of setting out the terms of an agreement.

FAQs

How to use "formally agree" in a sentence?

You can use "formally agree" to describe a situation where parties officially consent to something, such as "The two companies "formally agree" to merge".

What can I say instead of "formally agree"?

You can use alternatives like "officially consent", "ratify the agreement", or "endorse the proposal" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "formally agree" or "agree formally"?

"Formally agree" and "agree formally" are both grammatically correct, but ""formally agree"" is the more common and natural phrasing.

What's the difference between "formally agree" and "reach a consensus"?

"Formally agree" implies a structured and official agreement, while "reach a consensus" suggests a general agreement or understanding, which may not be officially documented.