made a pact

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "made a pact" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to an agreement or promise made between two or more parties, often with a sense of commitment or secrecy. Example: "The two friends made a pact to always support each other, no matter the circumstances."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

We'd made a pact".

The New York Times - Magazine

Arthur made a pact.

The Guardian

I made a pact.

The New York Times

So he made a pact.

The New York Times

Awhile back, Graham and Trevino made a pact.

The New York Times - Sports

"We made a pact," June explained.

The New Yorker

The two men made a pact.

The Guardian

They made a pact to avoid forever conversations about Malaysia.

The New York Times

He has also made a pact with his family.

The New York Times - Magazine

The female Faust: she'd made a pact with the devil.

The New York Times

"I made a pact with them," he said.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "made a pact", ensure that the context clearly defines the terms and scope of the agreement to avoid ambiguity. For instance, specify what actions or behaviors are included in the pact.

Common error

Avoid assuming that "made a pact" automatically covers unforeseen circumstances. Clearly outline potential exceptions or conditions to prevent misunderstandings later on.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "made a pact" functions as a verb phrase indicating the act of entering into a formal or informal agreement or promise. Ludwig confirms this is a proper phrase.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

90%

Formal & Business

5%

Science

3%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "made a pact" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe an agreement or promise between parties, as confirmed by Ludwig. It's frequently used in news and media contexts to convey a sense of commitment. While alternatives like "reached an agreement" or "forged a deal" exist, "made a pact" often implies a more personal or moral dimension to the understanding. When using this phrase, ensure the context clearly defines the pact's terms to prevent ambiguity. Ludwig's examples showcase the phrase's versatility across various situations and relationships.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

reached an agreement

This alternative is more general and lacks the sense of commitment implied in "made a pact".

came to an understanding

This alternative suggests a mutual comprehension but doesn't necessarily involve a formal agreement like "made a pact".

forged a deal

This alternative suggests a negotiated agreement, often in a business or political context, while "made a pact" implies a personal or moral commitment.

entered into a covenant

This alternative is more formal and often used in legal or religious contexts, emphasizing a binding agreement.

struck a bargain

This alternative suggests a negotiation where both sides make concessions, while "made a pact" can be a unilateral commitment.

gave an undertaking

This alternative implies a formal promise or commitment to a specific action or behavior.

swore an oath

This alternative emphasizes a solemn promise, often invoking a higher power or moral principle.

gave their word

This alternative focuses on the reliability and trustworthiness of the promise made.

pledged allegiance

This alternative suggests a public declaration of loyalty or support to a cause or person.

sealed an alliance

This alternative implies a formal agreement between groups or nations for mutual benefit or protection.

FAQs

How can I use "made a pact" in a sentence?

You can use "made a pact" to describe a mutual agreement or promise, such as "The friends "made a pact" to support each other through thick and thin".

What can I say instead of "made a pact"?

Alternatives to "made a pact" include "reached an agreement", "came to an understanding", or "forged a deal", depending on the context.

Is it better to say "made a pact" or "signed a contract"?

"Made a pact" implies a personal or moral agreement, while "signed a contract" refers to a formal, legally binding document. The best choice depends on the nature of the agreement.

What is the difference between "made a pact" and "reached a consensus"?

"Made a pact" indicates a specific agreement or promise between parties, while "reached a consensus" implies a general agreement after discussion, often involving multiple viewpoints.