make a deal

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'make a deal' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when two or more parties agree to exchange something of value, usually reaching an informal agreement. For example, "We decided to make a deal - I'll trade you my bike in exchange for your skateboard."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

CIOs: Let's Make A Deal!

Forbes

#describeyoursexlifeinatvshow Lets Make A Deal. #DescribeYourSexLifeInATvShow Cancelled.

Huffington Post

They make a deal.

The Economist

You make a deal.

Yale University

Dolan was determined to make a deal.

The New York Times - Sports

They know how to make a deal".

The New Yorker

You make a deal with a warehouse.

Yale University

"We have enough time to make a deal if the parties want to make a deal".

The New York Times

They want to make a deal.

The New York Times - Travel

The Post's View: Make a deal.

The Washington Post

Will we make a deal, Steve?

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the formality of the situation. While "make a deal" is generally acceptable, more formal contexts may benefit from phrases like "reach an agreement" or "conclude a contract".

Common error

Avoid using "make a deal" when describing intricate legal or business arrangements that require detailed contracts and professional consultation. This phrase is best suited for simpler, less formal agreements.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "make a deal" functions as a verb phrase, typically acting as the predicate of a sentence. It signifies the action of reaching an agreement or compromise, involving two or more parties. Ludwig AI confirms its widespread usability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

56%

Academia

22%

Wiki

14%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Science

3%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "make a deal" is a versatile and commonly used expression that signifies reaching an agreement or compromise between parties. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used across various contexts. While generally acceptable in most situations, more formal settings might benefit from alternatives such as ""reach an agreement"" or "formalize an agreement". Remember to be specific about the terms of the deal to ensure clarity. Ludwig's analysis indicates that "make a deal" is most frequently found in News & Media, Academia and Wiki sources, highlighting its broad applicability. Always consider the context and audience when choosing to use this phrase in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

reach an agreement

Focuses on the outcome of the negotiation process.

strike a bargain

Emphasizes the mutually beneficial aspects of the arrangement.

come to terms

Highlights the process of different parties adjusting their positions.

seal a contract

Implies a more formal and legally binding agreement.

close the negotiation

Concentrates on finalizing the arrangement and finishing up the discussion.

broker a settlement

Suggests mediation and resolution of a dispute.

arrange a transaction

Highlights the exchange of goods or services.

work out an arrangement

Focuses on collaborative problem-solving to create a mutually acceptable situation.

hammer out a compromise

Emphasizes the difficult and potentially contentious negotiation process.

cut a deal

Informal alternative emphasizing shrewdness in the negotiation.

FAQs

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

You can use "make a deal" to describe an agreement between two or more parties. For example, "They decided to "reach an agreement" after a long negotiation."

What are some alternatives to "make a deal"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "strike a bargain", "come to terms", or ""reach an agreement"".

Is it appropriate to use "make a deal" in formal writing?

While "make a deal" is widely understood, it might be more suitable for informal contexts. In formal writing, consider using more precise terms such as "seal a contract" or "formalize an agreement".

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

"Make a deal" is a general term for reaching an agreement. "Cut a deal" often implies a more strategic or even slightly opportunistic approach to negotiation, suggesting that one party may have gained an advantage.