make terms with

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "make terms with" is correct and commonly used in written English.
It means to negotiate or come to an agreement with someone or something. Example: The two countries were able to make terms with each other and sign a peace treaty.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

We shall never forget nor escape you, nor make terms With your enemies, the swift departing years.

The Guardian - Books

Certain lines of dialogue transfer intact, including Anne's "Make terms with me before my son is born" and "Those who are made can be unmade".

The Guardian - Books

John realised that he had to make terms with them: those terms were Magna Carta.There was not much reason, at the time, to suspect that the document would make history.

The Economist

Lindbergh accepted a medal from Herman Goering "in the name of the Fuehrer" during a visit to Germany in 1938, and "proudly wore the decoration". He thought democracy was finished in Europe, that the western powers could not effectively resist the Nazi war machine and that the United States had better make terms with Adolf Hitler.

The Washington Post

Because John had granted these to the constable of France, Charles of La Cerda, Charles II's supporters assassinated the constable (1354); but, since Charles II was meanwhile negotiating with the English, John had to make terms with him, ceding extensive lands in Normandy.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The Iranians, for their part, want Mr Obama to assure them he will not try to replace the out-of-favour President Hamid Karzai, whom they helped install, with an American stooge, far less make terms with dissidents from the viscerally anti-Iranian Taliban; Mr Obama recently hinted at such an approach.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

He made terms with Raegnald's successor Sihtric and gave him his sister in marriage.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Upon Cyzicus they made no attack at all, as before their coming the inhabitants had made terms with Oebares, the son of Megabazus, and satrap of Dascyleium, and had submitted themselves to the king.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Cambyses before invading Egypt made terms with the Arabs (Herodotus, 3.4‑9).

University of Chicago

After these had been captured the rest of the Insubres also made terms with them, giving them money and a portion of the land.

University of Chicago

Such would have been their fate; or it may be that, when they saw the rest of Hellas siding with the enemy, they would have made terms with Xerxes; and thus either way Hellas would have been subdued by the Persians.

University of Chicago

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "make terms with", ensure the context clearly indicates who is negotiating with whom and the subject of the negotiation.

Common error

Avoid using "make terms with" when one party is clearly in a superior position and dictating terms, as it implies a more balanced negotiation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "make terms with" functions as a verb phrase used to describe the act of negotiating or coming to an agreement, often after some disagreement or conflict. Ludwig confirms that the expression is correct and commonly used in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

58%

Academia

25%

Encyclopedias

8%

Less common in

Wiki

8%

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "make terms with" is a versatile idiomatic phrase signifying the process of negotiating or agreeing, frequently implying compromise. As Ludwig AI affirms, the expression is grammatically correct and widely used across various contexts, particularly in News & Media and Academia. While it suggests reaching an agreement, it often hints at a situation where parties reluctantly accept conditions. For alternative expressions, consider "reach an agreement with" or "negotiate a settlement with". Remember to use it when a negotiation or compromise is involved.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

reach an agreement with

Focuses more on the achieved outcome of the negotiation.

come to an understanding with

Emphasizes mutual comprehension and acceptance.

negotiate a settlement with

Specifically implies formal negotiation leading to a resolution.

find a compromise with

Highlights the aspect of mutual concessions.

settle differences with

Addresses resolving conflicts or disagreements.

come to a consensus with

Suggests a collective agreement or unified opinion.

establish a truce with

Implies a temporary cessation of hostilities and agreement.

broker a deal with

Highlights the role of an intermediary in facilitating the agreement.

find common ground with

Focuses on discovering shared interests or beliefs.

accept the conditions of

Implies agreeing to a set of imposed requirements or rules.

FAQs

How can I use "make terms with" in a sentence?

You can use "make terms with" to describe reaching an agreement or compromise. For example, "After a long negotiation, the company had to "make terms with" the union to avoid a strike."

What's the difference between "make terms with" and "reach an agreement with"?

"Make terms with" implies a negotiation process, whereas "reach an agreement with" simply states the outcome. "Make terms with" also has the connotation of begrudging acceptance of previously unwanted circumstances, such as in, "After realizing he would not find another job, John had to "make terms with" his old boss".

Which is correct, "make terms with" or "make peace with"?

Both phrases are correct but have different meanings. "Make terms with" implies negotiation or compromise, while "make peace with" suggests reconciliation or acceptance of something difficult or unpleasant.

What can I say instead of "make terms with"?

You can use alternatives like "reach an agreement with", "negotiate a settlement with", or "find a compromise with", depending on the context.