oral agreement

USAGE SUMMARY

"oral agreement" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it when referring to an agreement that was made verbally, rather than in a written contract. For example, "Although we made an oral agreement at the meeting, we decided to draw up a contract to make it legally binding."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Sports

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

An oral agreement is the traditional way to retain staff.

The New York Times - Food

"And the alleged oral agreement would have been inadmissible.

The New York Times - Magazine

He thought he had reached an oral agreement with his landlord over the new lease.

The New York Times

But Sternburg said Tyson and Mercer had reached an oral agreement on the purse.

The New York Times - Sports

Three years ago, the Yankees pursued a slugging free agent and reached an oral agreement.

The New York Times - Sports

While a deal has not been signed, a Bills spokesman, Scott Berchtold, said an oral agreement had been reached.

The New York Times - Sports

The Yankees declined his option, then had an oral agreement with Wells before he signed with the Padres.

The New York Times - Sports

Mayo then entered into an oral agreement that allowed the agency to represent him when he turned pro, Johnson added.

The New York Times - Sports

A 'violation of a gentleman's oral agreement', according to the lawsuit he's just taken against the conglomerate.

The Guardian

If Knoblauch overcomes his throwing trouble and regains his All-Star status, the oral agreement would probably be finalized.

The New York Times - Sports

Howard Marshall III, 63, of Los Angeles, had no oral agreement with his father to receive part of the estate.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When documenting business dealings, always follow up an "oral agreement" with written confirmation to avoid future disputes.

Common error

Don't assume an "oral agreement" is automatically legally binding. Requirements for enforceability vary by jurisdiction and subject matter.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "oral agreement" functions as a noun phrase, specifying a type of agreement that is communicated verbally rather than documented in writing. As seen in Ludwig, it's often used in contexts where the validity or enforceability of the agreement is being discussed.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

41%

Sports

24%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Encyclopedias

0%

Science

18%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "oral agreement" refers to an agreement made verbally, rather than in writing. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct and frequently used in various contexts, particularly in news, sports, and business. While commonly used, it's important to recognize the potential challenges in proving the terms of an "oral agreement" compared to a written contract. When crafting content featuring this phrase, consider the register and potential legal implications. Alternatives such as "verbal agreement" or "spoken agreement" can be used for variety. Remember to confirm in writing the terms of "oral agreements" to avoid future dispute.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

verbal agreement

This is a direct synonym, emphasizing the verbal nature of the agreement.

spoken agreement

Highlights the act of speaking as the means of agreement.

unwritten agreement

Focuses on the lack of a written document to formalize the agreement.

gentleman's agreement

Implies an agreement based on honor and trust, often unwritten.

handshake deal

Emphasizes the symbolic act of shaking hands to seal an agreement.

verbal commitment

Highlights the promise or pledge made verbally.

informal arrangement

Indicates a less structured and less binding agreement.

understanding

Refers to a mutual comprehension of terms, often without explicit agreement.

word-of-mouth agreement

Stresses the reliance on spoken communication for the agreement.

nod and a wink agreement

Suggests a tacit agreement, implied rather than explicitly stated.

FAQs

Is an "oral agreement" legally binding?

An "oral agreement" can be legally binding, but it depends on the specific circumstances and the laws of the jurisdiction. Some types of agreements, like those involving real estate, often require a written contract to be enforceable.

What is the difference between an "oral agreement" and a written contract?

An "oral agreement" is a verbal agreement, while a written contract is a formal document outlining the terms of the agreement. Written contracts provide more clarity and are easier to prove in court than "verbal agreements".

How can I prove the existence of an "oral agreement"?

Proving an "oral agreement" can be challenging. Evidence such as witnesses, emails, texts, or other documentation that supports the agreement can be helpful.

What are some alternatives to "oral agreement"?

Alternatives to "oral agreement" include "verbal agreement", "spoken agreement", or "unwritten agreement". The best choice depends on the specific context.