making a deal

USAGE SUMMARY

"making a deal" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is typically used to refer to a contract or agreement between two or more parties, often involving exchange of goods, services, money, or other things of value. For example: "The two sides agreed to make a deal, in which the company promised to provide a discount on services in exchange for increased visibility at the upcoming conference."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He's making a deal.

Yale University

"We're very aggressive at making a deal".

The New York Times

It is reactive rather than proactive, making a deal because everyone else is making a deal.

The New York Times - Sports

"They're not interested in making a deal with us.

The New York Times

"It would be like Napoleon making a deal with Wellington".

The New York Times

"Sometimes, part of making a deal is denigrating your competition".

The New Yorker

But Mr. Walker isn't interested in making a deal.

The New York Times

But talking is not the same as making a deal".

The Guardian

"We are not simply making a deal with the UK.

The Guardian

I think they'll end up making a deal.

The New York Times - Sports

Making a deal with them now is appeasement.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "making a deal", ensure clarity regarding the subject and object of the deal. Specify who is making the deal with whom and what the deal entails to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "making a deal" without specifying the terms or conditions. For example, instead of saying "They are making a deal", specify what the deal involves, such as "They are making a deal to merge their companies".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "making a deal" functions as a verbal phrase, often acting as the predicate of a sentence. It describes the action of negotiating and establishing an agreement. As Ludwig AI shows, it's widely used in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Academia

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "making a deal" is a very common and widely accepted way to describe the process of negotiating and reaching an agreement. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct and finds frequent use across various contexts, including news, academia, and business. While the phrase is generally neutral in tone, it's essential to provide specific details about the deal to avoid ambiguity. Alternatives such as "reaching an agreement" or "concluding a transaction" may be more appropriate for formal settings. Remembering to specify the deal's terms ensures clear communication and avoids potential misunderstandings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

reaching an agreement

Focuses on the outcome of the negotiation process rather than the process itself.

concluding a transaction

More formal and business-oriented, emphasizing the transactional nature of the deal.

negotiating a settlement

Highlights the resolution of a dispute through negotiation.

arranging a compromise

Emphasizes mutual concessions to reach an understanding.

brokering an arrangement

Suggests the involvement of a third party in facilitating the deal.

forging a consensus

Implies building agreement among multiple parties.

hammering out a contract

Highlights the detailed and potentially difficult process of creating a formal agreement.

striking a bargain

Emphasizes advantageous terms for both parties involved.

sealing an understanding

Focuses on the finalization and commitment to the agreement.

closing a sale

Specifically refers to completing a sales transaction.

FAQs

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

You can use "making a deal" in a sentence to describe the act of reaching an agreement or negotiation, such as "The company is currently "making a deal" with its suppliers to reduce costs".

What are some alternatives to "making a deal"?

Some alternatives to "making a deal" include "reaching an agreement", "concluding a transaction", or "negotiating a settlement", depending on the specific context.

Is it always appropriate to use the phrase "making a deal"?

While generally acceptable, the phrase "making a deal" might be too informal for certain professional or academic contexts. Consider using a more formal alternative like "concluding an agreement" in such cases.

What's the difference between "making a deal" and "sealing an agreement"?

"Making a deal" refers to the process of negotiating and reaching an agreement, while "sealing an agreement" implies the finalization and formal commitment to that agreement.