informal understanding

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "informal understanding" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a mutual agreement or comprehension between parties that is not formally documented or legally binding. Example: "We reached an informal understanding about the project timeline during our last meeting."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

34 human-written examples

Is there a formal assignment or an informal understanding?

Harvard Business Review

Even with the advent of the Internet, the informal understanding has held up relatively well, according to White House correspondents.

The New York Times

"The food security text is so contradictory that there must be an informal understanding among the big players as to what it really means".

The Guardian

These books were acquired by Mr. Bessie, although by informal understanding each of the founders had to agree on every book the house published.

The New York Times - Books

The remarks suggest that even an informal understanding between Labour and the SNP could represent a barrier to Clegg striking a post-election deal with Ed Miliband's party.

The Guardian

The first President Bush reached an informal understanding with President Gorbachev and then with President Yeltsin that both sides would gather and destroy thousands of tactical nukes.

The New York Times - Magazine

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

26 human-written examples

However, when stratified by gender, the Trust in informal information-Understanding association was positive among males but negative among females.

Plosone

Over the decades, rival interests — the government's legitimate responsibility to keep some things secret, the press's constitutional freedom to ferret out information and report it — have coexisted through informal understandings.

The New York Times

In the past year, the Saudis, the Israelis, and the Bush Administration have developed a series of informal understandings about their new strategic direction.

The New Yorker

Kenneth DeWoskin, a partner at PricewaterhouseCoopers in Beijing who advises foreign investors, said that these days, foreign investors who rely on informal understandings can be badly hurt.

The New York Times

On the final day you'll learn how to shape agreements and informal understandings within a complex web of relationships.

Harvard University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "informal understanding" to describe situations where parties have reached a mutual agreement or comprehension without formal documentation. It's particularly useful in contexts where trust and flexibility are important.

Common error

Don't treat an "informal understanding" as legally binding. Ensure that all parties involved recognize its non-binding nature to avoid future disputes.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "informal understanding" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object of a verb or the complement of a preposition. It signifies a non-binding agreement or a shared comprehension between parties, as showcased by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

20%

Encyclopedias

7%

Less common in

Science

7%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "informal understanding" describes a non-binding agreement or shared comprehension between parties, as suggested by Ludwig. It's grammatically correct and commonly used across diverse contexts, including news, academia, and encyclopedias. While offering flexibility, it should not be mistaken for a legally enforceable agreement. Alternatives include "unwritten agreement" and "common understanding". Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is perfectly acceptable for use in written English.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

unwritten agreement

Emphasizes the lack of a written contract or formal documentation.

gentleman's agreement

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

tacit agreement

Highlights the unspoken nature of the agreement, inferred from actions and behaviors.

unofficial agreement

Stresses the lack of official sanction or recognition.

implicit agreement

Suggests that the agreement is implied or understood, rather than explicitly stated.

verbal agreement

Focuses on the fact that the agreement was made through spoken words, not written.

common understanding

Highlights a shared comprehension or perspective between parties.

unspoken consensus

Emphasizes agreement that is reached without explicit discussion or voting.

working agreement

Highlights an agreement designed to let parties to cooperate practically.

loose arrangement

Underscores the flexible and non-binding nature of the agreement.

FAQs

How can I use "informal understanding" in a sentence?

You can use "informal understanding" to describe an agreement that isn't written down, for example: "We reached an "informal understanding" about sharing the project responsibilities."

What's a good substitute for "informal understanding"?

Depending on the context, you might use alternatives like "unwritten agreement", "tacit agreement", or "common understanding".

Is an "informal understanding" legally binding?

No, an "informal understanding" is not legally binding. It's based on trust and mutual agreement, not on a formal contract.

What is the difference between an "informal understanding" and a formal agreement?

A formal agreement is documented and legally enforceable, while an "informal understanding" is based on a verbal agreement or mutual trust without legal backing. A formal agreement offers more security, but an "informal understanding" allows for greater flexibility.