implicit agreement

USAGE SUMMARY

"implicit agreement" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when there is an agreement between two or more parties that is understood, but not stated explicitly. For example, "Although they had not signed a contract, the two companies had an implicit agreement to share the profits from their joint venture."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

48 human-written examples

To spring bigotry set to music on the unwary is to violate an implicit agreement between performer and listener.

The New York Times - Magazine

Mr. Kumar said that politicians seldom back these khaps publicly, but they have an implicit agreement to support each other.

The New York Times

The memo emphasized that transfers were okay if no explicit or implicit agreement was made to torture.

The Washington Post

"There was an implicit agreement between all of them," Mr. McAndrew said, "to work together for the common goal, and that goal was to deceive.

The New York Times

The lawsuit said they had an "implicit agreement" to maintain the status quo, with MSG and FSNY as expanded basic channels on Time Warner.

The New York Times - Sports

When companies hand out smartphones to their employees there is an implicit agreement that those staff are on call any time, any place.

The Guardian - Tech

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

12 human-written examples

You know the case of GM, I think, it's fascinating because my interpretation of what happened is that there was an underestimation of really the type of implicit agreements that you need to have between the top of the organization and the workforce for these processes to be embraced.

Harvard Business Review

Still, these moves were necessary actions to satisfy explicit and implicit agreements–either protecting margins or upholding a corporate contract.

Forbes

There are explicit implicit agreements about when to show up, how to dress, how to conduct yourself, what will be paid, and what will be grounds for terminating the job.

Forbes

Every project that is awarded comes with a confidentiality agreement and the implicit understanding that if it is violated the perpetrator will need to consider a new line of work.

The New York Times

This view, the one we subscribe to and which informs our understanding of cryptocurrencies, recognizes the presence of an implicit, societywide agreement that allows monetary exchange to perpetuate and debt and credit to be issued and cleared.

HuffPost

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "implicit agreement", ensure the context clearly indicates how the agreement is understood or demonstrated through actions, as it lacks explicit documentation.

Common error

Avoid assuming that an "implicit agreement" exists without sufficient evidence or context; clearly articulate the basis for this understanding to prevent misinterpretations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "implicit agreement" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. Ludwig AI identifies its use to denote an unstated but understood understanding between parties, often based on context or behavior.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Academia

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "implicit agreement" is a noun phrase that refers to an unspoken understanding or arrangement between two or more parties. As Ludwig AI confirms, its usage is grammatically correct and common, especially in news, scientific, and formal business contexts. While the phrase signifies a mutual understanding, it's essential to ensure context provides sufficient evidence of such understanding to prevent misinterpretations. Alternatives like "tacit understanding" or "unspoken understanding" can be used depending on the desired nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

tacit understanding

Focuses on understanding without explicit communication.

unspoken understanding

Highlights the lack of verbalization in the agreement.

implied consent

Emphasizes the inferred permission rather than direct approval.

unwritten rule

Stresses the informal nature of the understanding, not codified in any document.

gentleman's agreement

Signifies an agreement based on honor and trust, without legal enforceability.

tacit consent

Highlights agreement conveyed through silence or inaction.

understood arrangement

Focuses on a shared, though unstated, understanding between parties.

silent accord

Underscores the quiet, unexpressed nature of the agreement.

unvoiced consensus

Emphasizes the agreement reached without verbal expression.

assumed understanding

Focuses on the assumption that both parties are on the same page.

FAQs

How can I use "implicit agreement" in a sentence?

You can use "implicit agreement" to describe an unstated understanding between parties. For example, "There was an "implicit agreement" among the team members to share their resources".

What are some alternatives to "implicit agreement"?

Alternatives include "tacit understanding", "unspoken understanding", or "implied consent", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

What is the difference between "implicit agreement" and "explicit agreement"?

"Implicit agreement" refers to an agreement that is understood but not formally stated, while an "explicit agreement" is clearly defined and expressed, often in writing.

In what contexts is it appropriate to use "implicit agreement"?

It's appropriate when discussing relationships, negotiations, or social dynamics where mutual understandings exist without formal articulation. Be cautious using it in legal contexts, where "explicit agreements" are typically required.