one could agree

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "one could agree" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when suggesting that there is a possibility of consensus or shared opinion on a particular matter. Example: "In light of the evidence presented, one could agree that the proposed solution is the most effective."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

27 human-written examples

In a summer when no one could agree on what constituted proper authority, more than statues might lose their heads.

The New York Times - Books

Even after the big fight was signed, no one could agree on what the five-year holdup had been.

The New Yorker

Witnesses, survivors and officials overseeing the investigation offered conflicting accounts, and no one could agree on the number of attackers.

The New York Times

Because e-books didn't carry many of the costs of bound books, no one could agree on how they should be priced.

The New Yorker

No one could agree on what was behind the outbreak, which was also the subject of Channel 4 documentary, The Town That Caught Tourettes.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Today's Tea Party has roots in a battle over the Revolution that dates to the Bicentennial, when no one could agree on what story a country torn apart by the war in Vietnam and by civil-rights strife at home ought to tell about its unruly beginnings.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

30 human-written examples

An image of the dress was originally posted on Tumblr by Caitlin McNeill when it became apparent that no-one could agree on its colour.

Independent

'The dress' as it will forever be known, sparked global debate when no-one could agree on its colour.

Independent

Neil Aspinall (Apple Records executive at the time) said that this was because no-one could agree on what kind of bird it should be.

Wikipedia

Having to deal with bugs for an extra week was unsettling but after all, the one thing I could agree with the customer service rep on is that I do live in a buggy place.

Huffington Post

We won't get married.' " Then, with no warning, he proposed in May last year on their Arts and Crafts-style couch, the only one they could agree on.

The New York Times - Style

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "one could agree" when suggesting a reasonable or plausible viewpoint that others might share, especially in analytical or argumentative writing. For example: "Given the presented evidence, "one could agree" that further research is warranted."

Common error

Avoid using "one could agree" to present a purely subjective opinion as if it were universally acceptable. Instead, use phrases like "in my opinion" or "it seems to me" to express personal viewpoints.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "one could agree" functions as a hedging device used to introduce a statement or opinion in a tentative or non-assertive manner. As Ludwig indicates, this phrase is grammatically correct and suitable for formal and informal communication.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

53%

Science

23%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Wiki

6%

Encyclopedias

4%

Academia

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "one could agree" is a versatile phrase used to introduce a viewpoint or conclusion in a tentative and inviting manner. Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage across various contexts, especially news, scientific, and formal business settings. It signals a reasonable position open to discussion, making it valuable in analytical and argumentative writing. When using this phrase, avoid overstating personal opinions as universally accepted truths. Alternatives such as "one might concur" or "it is reasonable to agree" can provide subtle variations in meaning. Ludwig examples are very useful in order to have a complete overview of the contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

one might concur

Replaces "could" with "might", softening the assertion.

one may agree

Substitutes "could" with "may", indicating a possibility.

one can agree

Replaces "could" with "can", suggesting a general possibility.

one would agree

Employs "would" to express a conditional agreement.

one might think

Shifts focus from agreement to a shared thought or opinion.

one might assume

Indicates a presumption or inference.

it is reasonable to agree

Emphasizes the rationality behind the agreement.

it is understandable to agree

Highlights the comprehensibility of the agreement.

one could understand

Switches the focus to comprehension or empathy.

it is easy to agree

Suggests the simplicity or obviousness of the agreement.

FAQs

What does "one could agree" mean?

The phrase "one could agree" suggests that a particular viewpoint or conclusion is reasonable and that others might share it. It implies a degree of plausibility or consensus.

How can I use "one could agree" in a sentence?

You can use "one could agree" to introduce a statement that is likely to be accepted by others. For example: "Considering the data, "one could agree" that the experiment was successful."

What are some alternatives to "one could agree"?

You can use alternatives like "one might concur", "it is reasonable to agree", or "one might think" depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "everyone could agree" instead of "one could agree"?

While "one could agree" suggests a potential for agreement, "everyone could agree" implies universal consensus. The choice depends on whether you want to indicate a general possibility or a complete agreement. Both are grammatically valid but convey different meanings.