loose agreement

USAGE SUMMARY

"loose agreement" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You would use this phrase to refer to an agreement which is not specific or legally binding. For example: "The two sides reached a loose agreement about sharing profits."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

13 human-written examples

It could be a loose agreement to pursue the proposed deal in the weeks ahead.

The Washington Post

Affiliation is a rather loose agreement to share resources like computer software but not clinical services.

The New York Times

The two were moving in loose agreement, often with a groove that was only implied; they clicked quietly and intuitively.

The New York Times - Arts

In 1891 a loose agreement provided for mutual consultation in crisis; in 1894 this was broadened into a military alliance by whose terms each partner promised to aid the other in case of attack by Germany or Germany's allies.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Two background singers moved in loose agreement while tossing calebasses — basket-shaped gourds ringed with shells that clicked against them — and other members of her retinue came onstage to dance.

The New York Times - Arts

Mr. Holbrooke's deal, which is more a loose agreement than a coherent plan, would have the Serbs cease all military and police operations in Kosovo and send home all the Serbian forces that have moved into the province over the past seven months.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

47 human-written examples

Loose agreements have not proved strong enough to stop reckless behaviour.

The Economist

Some are no more than loose agreements to work together on a project; others are full-blown joint ventures.

The Economist

Icann has had oversight over domain names under a series of loose agreements with the U.S. government, which financed much of the Internet's development.

The New York Times - Tech

In other words, any concerns expressed about loose agreements resulting from the safeguards or about threats to health and safety (Sanitary and Phytosanitary or SPS) standards amount to the likelihood that a measure thought to be unjust or inessential restriction could be challenged in dispute settlement.

Journal of Economic Structures

We took the trip and had some loose agreements to manufacture children's clothing there.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "loose agreement", clarify the specific aspects that make it loose, such as the lack of legal enforceability or the flexibility of terms. This prevents misunderstandings about the commitment involved.

Common error

Avoid treating a "loose agreement" as a legally binding contract. Ensure all parties understand that the terms are flexible and not strictly enforceable to prevent future disputes.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "loose agreement" functions as a noun phrase where "loose" modifies the noun "agreement". It describes the quality or nature of the agreement, indicating it is not strictly binding or precisely defined. As Ludwig AI explains, it refers to an agreement which is not specific or legally binding.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "loose agreement" describes an understanding between parties that lacks strict formality or binding commitment. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is a grammatically sound phrase used to denote agreements that are not specific or legally enforceable. While "loose agreement" is a common phrase found frequently in News & Media, it’s important to clarify the specifics of the arrangement to avoid misunderstandings, especially in professional contexts. Alternatives like "informal understanding" or "tentative accord" may be more appropriate depending on the intended nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

non-binding pact

Directly states the absence of legal enforceability.

informal understanding

Emphasizes the lack of formal structure or documentation.

preliminary understanding

Indicates that the agreement is at an early stage and subject to change.

flexible arrangement

Stresses the adaptability and ease of modification.

tentative accord

Highlights the provisional or experimental nature of the agreement.

gentleman's agreement

Implies an agreement based on trust and honor rather than legal obligation.

working arrangement

Suggests a practical but possibly temporary agreement for collaboration.

unbinding commitment

Focuses on the absence of legal obligation or strict adherence.

general consensus

Highlights a broad agreement without specific details.

unwritten rule

Conveys an agreement that is understood but not explicitly stated or documented.

FAQs

How to use "loose agreement" in a sentence?

You can use "loose agreement" to describe arrangements that are not strictly binding. For example, "The companies have a "loose agreement" to collaborate on research projects, but no formal contract."

What can I say instead of "loose agreement"?

You can use alternatives like "informal understanding", "tentative accord", or "non-binding pact" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "loose agreement" or "lose agreement"?

"Loose agreement" is correct. "Loose" refers to something not tightly fastened or defined, while "lose" means to misplace something. Therefore, ""loose agreement"" indicates an agreement that is not strict or binding.

What are the implications of having a "loose agreement"?

A ""loose agreement"" implies flexibility and ease of modification, but also carries the risk of misunderstanding or lack of commitment. It's crucial that all parties have a shared understanding of the terms, even if they're not formally documented.