prior agreement

USAGE SUMMARY

"prior agreement" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It refers to an agreement or arrangement that was made before the current situation or event. An example of using this phrase in a sentence could be: "Before starting the project, we need to reach a prior agreement on the timeline and budget with our clients."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

This was usually by prior agreement.

The Guardian - Sport

All acquisitions will be by prior agreement.

The Guardian

By prior agreement, the report assigns no responsibility.

The New Yorker

By prior agreement, the students were quietly admitted to the university through another building.

The New Yorker

"So we do say now that crowns can only be worn by prior agreement," adds Carrie.

The Guardian - Travel

This announcement is being made by Poundland without the prior agreement or approval of Steinhoff".

The Guardian - Business

The prior agreement does not preclude Salomon Smith Barney from advising North Fork.

The New York Times

"I didn't make a prior agreement," Boozer told The Plain Dealer.

The New York Times - Sports

By prior agreement, the group confiscated all film and video of the project taken by invited witnesses.

The New York Times

But the league could make an argument that the prior agreement had almost overexposed the N.B.A. the past two seasons.

The New York Times - Sports

Sources should be identified unless their security or a prior agreement of confidentiality dictates otherwise.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When referencing a "prior agreement" in legal or business documentation, include specific references to the date, parties involved, and key clauses of the original agreement. This provides a clear audit trail and minimizes ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid vague references to a "prior agreement" without specifying key details. This can lead to misunderstandings and legal disputes. Always clearly identify the specific agreement, its date, and the relevant clauses.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "prior agreement" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object of a preposition or a subject complement. It signifies a previously established understanding or arrangement, as demonstrated in Ludwig's examples where it modifies actions and decisions.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

20%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "prior agreement" is a common and grammatically correct noun phrase used to reference an agreement that was established before a particular event or situation. Ludwig AI confirms its consistent usage across diverse contexts, from formal business settings to news reports and scientific publications. While alternatives like "previous arrangement" and "pre-existing agreement" exist, "prior agreement" effectively emphasizes the temporal order and relevance of the agreement. Remember to provide specific details when referencing a "prior agreement" to avoid ambiguity and potential disputes. Be mindful of the source and the register and use similar alternatives if you want to add variety to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

pre-existing agreement

Emphasizes the agreement existed before a specific event or situation.

previous arrangement

Focuses on the arrangement having been made at an earlier time.

advance consent

Highlights the aspect of giving permission beforehand.

prior understanding

Stresses a mutual comprehension reached beforehand.

prearranged deal

Highlights the deal being set up in advance.

established understanding

Emphasizes that the understanding is already in place.

pre-negotiated terms

Focuses on the terms being negotiated before a specific event.

agreed-upon protocol

Implies an official agreement on a specific set of procedures.

initial compact

Focuses on the preliminary nature of the agreement.

earlier accord

Emphasizes that the accord happened at an earlier time.

FAQs

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

You can use "prior agreement" to indicate an agreement made before a specific event. For example: "The project proceeded based on a "prior agreement" between the parties."

What's a good substitute for "prior agreement"?

Alternatives include "previous arrangement", "pre-existing agreement", or "advance consent" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "prior agreement" or "previous agreement"?

Both "prior agreement" and "previous agreement" are correct, but "prior agreement" often emphasizes the agreement's relevance to a current situation. The choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

What happens if there's a conflict between a current contract and a "prior agreement"?

Typically, the current contract supersedes any "prior agreement" unless the current contract explicitly states otherwise. Consult legal counsel to determine the specific implications in your situation.