make a compromise

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'make a compromise' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when two people or groups are both unwilling to completely give up their demands and so they agree to accept something that is less than what they originally wanted or asked for. For example: "After several hours of contentious negotiations, the two sides decided to make a compromise by agreeing to split the cost of the project down the middle."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I didn't make a compromise".

The New York Times

"You want us to make a compromise.

The New York Times

"We make a compromise," said Pravin Patel, who oversees Bombay Fast Food/6 Ave.

The New York Times

But more importantly: what are they willing to make a compromise for".

The Guardian

"I think the delegations are making a genuine effort to make a compromise".

The New York Times

"I don't have to make a compromise, just to say what is right," he said.

The New York Times

And he would have to make a compromise with the campaign-finance system that he now excoriates.

The Economist

Recent widespread criticisms have led the government to make a compromise offer of Z$170m to the campaign.

The Economist

This makes the situation quite different from something like the bank bailout of 2008, and could make a compromise more likely down the line.

The New York Times

Rather, both "shall be kept in the field till they are exhausted, when we will make a compromise and save slavery".

The New York Times

Worries about the deficit, the temporary nature of current tax policy and the newly divided government may make a compromise more reachable.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "make a compromise", ensure all involved parties understand the terms and are willing participants in the agreement. Transparency is key to a successful compromise.

Common error

Don't assume that a compromise leaves everyone completely happy. It's about finding an acceptable solution, not necessarily the perfect one, so manage expectations accordingly.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "make a compromise" functions as a verbal phrase. It describes the action of reaching a mutual agreement where parties involved adjust their demands. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is correct and usable in written English, indicating a common linguistic pattern.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

31%

Science

29%

Wiki

14%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "make a compromise" is a versatile and frequently used expression for describing the act of reaching a mutually acceptable agreement by adjusting initial demands. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability in English. It appears most often in news, scientific, and wiki contexts, maintaining a neutral register. The phrase's primary function is to describe dispute resolution through mutual concession, though it's important to remember that a compromise doesn't always mean full satisfaction for all parties involved.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

meet halfway

Suggests both parties conceding equally to achieve resolution.

find a middle ground

Emphasizes the search for a mutually acceptable position between differing viewpoints.

find common ground

Emphasizes discovering shared interests or beliefs.

work out a deal

Highlights the process of creating an agreement through negotiation and concessions.

reach an agreement

Focuses on the outcome of a negotiation process, emphasizing the final accord.

negotiate a settlement

Focuses on the process of bargaining to reach an agreement.

come to terms

Highlights the process of accepting conditions that might not be ideal.

settle differences

Highlights resolving disagreements and disputes.

strike a balance

Implies an equilibrium between competing factors or desires.

accommodate each other

Stresses mutual adjustment and consideration of needs.

FAQs

How can I use "make a compromise" in a sentence?

The phrase "make a compromise" is used when parties involved in a disagreement agree to reduce their demands. For example, "To end the dispute, they decided to make a compromise".

What are some alternatives to "make a compromise"?

You can use phrases such as "reach an agreement", "come to terms", or "find a middle ground" as alternatives to "make a compromise".

Is it better to "make a compromise" or "reach a consensus"?

While both involve agreement, "make a compromise" often implies that not everyone gets exactly what they want. "Reach a consensus" suggests a more complete agreement where everyone is fully satisfied with the outcome.

What's the difference between "make a compromise" and "make a deal"?

"Make a compromise" typically involves settling differences, while "make a deal" is a broader term that can refer to any agreement, not necessarily involving disagreement or concessions. Sometimes you have to "make a trade off".