reach a compromise

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "reach a compromise" is correct and usable in written English.
It is used when two parties need to settle a dispute or disagreement by finding a middle ground that everyone can agree on. For example: The warring neighbours agreed to reach a compromise so they could both share the garden.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

"But I believe Hamas is ready to reach a compromise.

The Economist

Each side is eager to reach a compromise.

The New York Times

So they reach a compromise, and Bardem flips a coin.

The Guardian - Film

But both sides sensed that they could reach a compromise.

The New York Times - Sports

A conference committee has been unable to reach a compromise.

The New York Times

They are generally expected to reach a compromise.

The Guardian

Most residents, they said, wanted to reach a compromise.

The New York Times

But for any real progress, both sides need a face-saving way to reach a compromise.

The New York Times

No women took part in the protracted negotiations to reach a compromise government.

The New York Times

Both sides will begin on Wednesday to try to reach a compromise.

The New York Times

Both sides say that all those in the talks want to reach a compromise.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing situations where a deal or agreement has been successfully negotiated, "reach a compromise" is perfect.

Common error

Avoid using "reach a compromise" when one party completely capitulates. A compromise implies mutual concessions, not a complete victory for one side.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "reach a compromise" functions as a verb phrase. As the examples from Ludwig show, it typically describes the action of arriving at a mutually acceptable agreement after negotiation or discussion.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Academia

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "reach a compromise" is a commonly used phrase that describes a successful resolution to a disagreement through mutual concessions. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct and suitable for use in various contexts, particularly in news, business, and general discussions. The phrase indicates a neutral register, showing that it is appropriate for various settings. When employing this phrase, ensure that the situation genuinely involves mutual concessions, as a complete capitulation by one party does not constitute a compromise. Alternatives such as "find a middle ground" or "come to terms" can be used to convey similar meanings with slightly different nuances.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

find a middle ground

Focuses on the act of discovering an acceptable position between opposing viewpoints, rather than the achievement of an agreement.

find common ground

Emphasizes identifying shared interests or beliefs as a basis for agreement, implying a focus on pre-existing alignment.

strike a balance

Highlights the act of equalization between different aspects, emphasizing fairness and equity in the resolution.

come to terms

Suggests acceptance of a situation, often after initial disagreement or resistance, implying a sense of resignation.

work out an agreement

Focuses on the process of developing and finalizing an arrangement through effort and negotiation, highlighting the active nature of the resolution.

arrive at a consensus

Emphasizes collective agreement and widespread approval, suggesting a broader level of acceptance than a simple compromise.

settle the dispute

Focuses on resolving a specific disagreement or conflict, implying a formal or legal context.

make concessions

Highlights the act of giving up something to reach an agreement, implying a sacrifice on one or both sides.

meet halfway

Suggests a mutual adjustment where both parties make equal concessions, implying a balanced resolution.

bury the hatchet

Implies ending a conflict and restoring friendly relations, often after a period of animosity or disagreement.

FAQs

How can I use "reach a compromise" in a sentence?

You can use "reach a compromise" to describe situations where parties find mutually agreeable solutions, for example: "After lengthy negotiations, the union and the management were able to "reach a compromise" on wages and benefits."

What are some alternatives to "reach a compromise"?

Alternatives include "find a middle ground", "find common ground", or "come to terms" depending on the nuance you wish to convey.

Is it always positive to "reach a compromise"?

While generally positive, whether to "reach a compromise" is positive depends on the specific context. A seemingly beneficial compromise might entail ethical sacrifices or overlook critical issues.

What's the difference between "reach a compromise" and "reach a consensus"?

"Reach a compromise" implies mutual concessions, while "reach a consensus" suggests a more unified agreement where everyone is in full accord. A compromise may leave some parties partially dissatisfied, whereas a consensus aims for complete agreement.