mutual agreement

USAGE SUMMARY

"mutual agreement" is correct and usable in written English.
You could use it in a sentence such as "We reached a mutual agreement on how to divide the estate."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"It was by mutual agreement," he said.

The New York Times

His departure was by mutual agreement".

Independent

"It was by mutual agreement".

The New York Times - Arts

He left by mutual agreement.

The New York Times - Sports

"It was a completely mutual agreement".

The New York Times - Arts

Not a word about "mutual agreement".

The Guardian

They refer to her departure as a "mutual agreement".

The New York Times

So, in mutual agreement, we decided to divorce.

The New York Times

It is thought the move arose from a mutual agreement.

Independent

"The split is entirely amicable and is by mutual agreement.

Independent

Perhaps also because they were effected in mutual agreement.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "mutual agreement", ensure that all parties involved have actively participated in the decision-making process and genuinely concur with the outcome. Avoid implying coercion or undue influence.

Common error

Avoid assuming "mutual agreement" based solely on the absence of explicit dissent. Genuine agreement requires active communication and affirmation from all parties involved.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "mutual agreement" functions as a noun phrase that typically acts as a subject complement or an object of a preposition. Ludwig's examples illustrate its use in describing the outcome of a negotiation or discussion, indicating a shared understanding and consent between parties.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

54%

Science

37%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "mutual agreement" is a widely used and grammatically sound phrase indicating a consensus between two or more parties. As Ludwig's AI confirms, it is correct and usable in written English. Predominantly found in News & Media and Scientific contexts, the phrase conveys a shared understanding and consent, signifying that all involved are in accord. When using "mutual agreement", ensure all parties actively participate and genuinely concur with the outcome, avoiding implied consent. Alternatives like "consensus" or "understanding" can be used depending on the context. With its clear meaning and frequent use, "mutual agreement" remains a valuable tool for conveying shared decisions and understandings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

consensus

Focuses on the general agreement reached by a group, without necessarily highlighting the 'mutual' aspect of reaching that decision.

common understanding

Emphasizes the shared comprehension between parties, rather than the explicit act of agreeing.

shared accord

More formal and emphasizes harmony and alignment of opinions or interests.

meeting of minds

A more figurative expression indicating a complete alignment of thoughts and intentions.

concurrence

Highlights the act of agreeing or coinciding in opinion, often in a formal context.

give-and-take

Focuses on the process of compromise and negotiation involved in reaching an agreement.

settlement

Implies the resolution of a dispute or conflict through agreement.

deal

More informal and often used in business or transactional contexts.

pact

Suggests a formal and often legally binding agreement, particularly between nations or groups.

understanding

Implies an informal agreement or arrangement that may not be explicitly stated.

FAQs

How can I use "mutual agreement" in a sentence?

You can use "mutual agreement" to describe situations where two or more parties have reached a consensus. For example, "The contract was terminated by "mutual agreement"" or "We came to a "mutual agreement" on the terms of the partnership".

What is a synonym for "mutual agreement"?

Synonyms for "mutual agreement" include "consensus", "understanding", "accord", and "settlement". The best choice depends on the specific context and desired level of formality.

What's the difference between "mutual agreement" and "compromise"?

"Mutual agreement" indicates that all parties are satisfied with the outcome, whereas a "compromise" might involve some concessions from each party that may not be ideal but are acceptable to reach a resolution.

Is "mutual agreement" the same as "unilateral decision"?

No, "mutual agreement" implies that a decision was made jointly by all parties, while a "unilateral decision" is made by only one party without the input or consent of others.