make a pact

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "make a pact" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when two or more people agree to a plan of action or a commitment to each other. For example: "My best friend and I made a pact to be more honest with each other."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

He must therefore build a coalition or make a pact.

The Economist

If you make a pact, it's not as bad".

The New York Times

"You make a pact with yourself," he said.

The New York Times

"Let's do it together!" We make a pact.

The Guardian

Did they all make a pact with the devil?

The New York Times

Later, they make a pact not to kill themselves, so hard is surviving.

The Guardian - Books

Respect your process and make a pact to close the deal.

The Guardian - Books

Once you make a pact, then the mayor, instead of being an adversary, is the advocate.

The New York Times

To make a pact not to help either the Allies or the Nazis build a bomb?

The New Yorker

Their bond is sealed during a three-day marathon of passion during which Kevin suggests they make a pact.

The New York Times

Make a pact never to show anyone, build a mound of dirt, skim it later for anything that excites you.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "make a pact", ensure that the context clearly indicates mutual agreement and commitment between parties. For example, "They made a pact to support each other through thick and thin".

Common error

Avoid using "make a pact" in highly formal or legal documents. Opt for more precise and professional terms like "enter into an agreement" or "establish a contract" to maintain the appropriate tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "make a pact" functions as a verbal phrase that indicates an agreement or commitment between two or more parties. Ludwig examples show its use in various contexts, from personal resolutions to international agreements. According to Ludwig AI, it's a correct and usable phrase.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Wiki

30%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

7%

Encyclopedias

6%

Reference

7%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "make a pact" is a versatile phrase used to denote an agreement or commitment between parties. According to Ludwig AI, this phrase is correct and usable in written English. Ludwig examples illustrate its use across various contexts, from personal promises to formal agreements. While generally neutral in register, it's advisable to use more formal terms in highly professional or legal contexts. The phrase sees frequent use in "News & Media", "Wiki", and "Formal & Business" settings, highlighting its widespread applicability.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

make a commitment

This is a broader term indicating a promise or dedication to a specific course of action.

strike a deal

This phrase is more informal and often used in business or transactional contexts.

enter into an agreement

This alternative is a more formal and general way to express the idea of making a formal agreement.

reach an understanding

This suggests a mutual agreement that is often less formal than a pact or contract.

seal a bargain

This alternative is a more old-fashioned way of saying "make a deal".

come to terms

This alternative emphasizes the negotiation process involved in reaching an agreement.

form an alliance

This alternative often refers to a more formal and strategic agreement, especially between groups or nations.

settle on a contract

This implies a legally binding agreement.

forge a bond

This suggests a stronger, more emotional connection or agreement.

shake on it

An informal way to finalize a deal, often involving a handshake.

FAQs

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

You can use "make a pact" to describe a mutual agreement or commitment between two or more parties. For instance, "The friends "made a pact" to meet every month", or "The countries "made a pact" to reduce carbon emissions".

What are some alternatives to "make a pact"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "enter into an agreement", "reach an understanding", or "strike a deal".

Is it correct to say "made a pact with myself"?

Yes, it's correct, though it can sound slightly informal or metaphorical. It implies a strong personal commitment. For example, "I "made a pact" with myself to exercise every day".

What's the difference between "make a pact" and "sign a contract"?

"Make a pact" generally refers to an agreement that may be informal or based on trust, while "sign a contract" refers to a formal, legally binding agreement. A contract typically involves specific terms and conditions enforceable by law.