memorandum of understanding

USAGE SUMMARY

'memorandum of understanding' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is a legal term used to refer to a formal agreement between two or more parties. For example: The two companies entered into a memorandum of understanding to collaborate on a joint project.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

We came up with a memorandum of understanding.

The Washington Post

Kaplan signed the memorandum of understanding seven months ago.

The New York Times

Read the START II text, protocols and memorandum of understanding.

The Washington Post

Memorandum of Understanding Between Content Owner Representatives and Participating ISPs.

Princeton University

The CEOs have met and signed a Memorandum of Understanding.

Harvard University

The first "memorandum of understanding" that was signed was with Jordan in August that year.

The Guardian

Most recently, on 3 March, Babar secured a memorandum of understanding with tech giants NEC Australia.

The Guardian

The President — whose Administration just signed a Memorandum of Understanding (M.O.U).

The New Yorker

The companies signed a memorandum of understanding setting up the ventures, Volvo said.

The New York Times

Last month, for example, the Vatican signed a memorandum of understanding with the Arab League.

The New York Times

On July 17, the two sides signed a seven-page memorandum of understanding.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When drafting a "memorandum of understanding", clearly define the scope, objectives, and responsibilities of each party involved to avoid future misunderstandings.

Common error

Do not treat a "memorandum of understanding" as a fully enforceable contract unless it explicitly states that it is intended to be legally binding. Otherwise, it's often considered a statement of intent.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "memorandum of understanding" functions as a noun phrase, often serving as the subject or object in a sentence. As Ludwig AI says, it is a legal term used to refer to a formal agreement between two or more parties.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Academia

23%

Formal & Business

16%

Less common in

Science

13%

Reference

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "memorandum of understanding" is a very common noun phrase used to describe a formal, often non-binding, agreement between parties. As Ludwig AI points out, it functions as a legal term signifying mutual understanding and intent. Predominantly found in news, academic, and business contexts, it emphasizes collaboration and documented agreements. While grammatically correct, it's crucial to avoid treating it as a legally binding contract unless explicitly stated. Alternatives like "letter of intent" or "agreement in principle" can be used depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

statement of understanding

Emphasizes the documented expression of mutual understanding.

letter of intent

Focuses on the intent to form an agreement rather than the specific details.

protocol of agreement

Highlights the procedural aspects of the agreement

agreement in principle

Highlights the foundational agreement before formalization.

preliminary agreement

Emphasizes the early and non-binding nature of the understanding.

cooperative agreement

Stresses the collaborative aspect of the understanding.

terms of understanding

Focuses on the specific agreed-upon conditions.

informal agreement

Highlights the non-binding nature of the arrangement.

working arrangement

Describes a practical, often temporary, agreement.

understanding

A more generic form applicable in many contexts.

FAQs

How is a "memorandum of understanding" different from a contract?

A "memorandum of understanding" is often a non-binding agreement outlining the intentions of the parties, while a contract is a legally binding agreement with specific obligations and remedies.

What are some alternatives to "memorandum of understanding"?

You can use alternatives like "letter of intent", "agreement in principle", or "statement of understanding" depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use a "memorandum of understanding"?

It's appropriate when parties want to document a mutual understanding, explore potential collaborations, or outline the basic terms of an agreement before creating a formal contract.

What key elements should be included in a "memorandum of understanding"?

Key elements include the purpose of the agreement, identification of the parties, scope of collaboration, responsibilities of each party, and the intended duration of the agreement.