reached an understanding

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "reached an understanding" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when describing a situation where two or more parties have come to a mutual agreement or comprehension about a particular issue. Example: "After several hours of discussion, we finally reached an understanding regarding the terms of the contract."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

So I think we reached an understanding.

The New York Times

"We reached an understanding," Father Bernard said.

The New Yorker

And that we've reached an understanding, of sorts.

The Guardian

"Let me underline: We have reached an understanding," she said.

The New York Times

The two men seem to have reached an understanding.

The Economist

"We have reached an understanding, and there is a concrete decision on that," he said.

The Guardian

In the end the three members of the triangle reached an understanding, a "theological accomodation".

The New Yorker

"We reached an understanding and I think everyone's happy about it," he said.

The New York Times

In a sign of pre-election discipline, the PM has reached an understanding with Boris Johnson.

The Guardian

Mr. Ancier disagreed with that assessment last night and said he had never reached an understanding with Mr. Sassa.

The New York Times

By the fourth time, the bear and I had reached an understanding and I finally completed the trail.

The Guardian - Travel

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about sensitive negotiations, "reached an understanding" is more appropriate than "struck a deal", as the latter can sound too transactional and perhaps downplay the degree of negotiation and compromise that might have been involved.

Common error

Do not assume that "reached an understanding" necessarily implies complete agreement on all issues. It can sometimes indicate a temporary or partial agreement, requiring ongoing dialogue.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "reached an understanding" functions as a verbal phrase indicating the result of a process of communication or negotiation. It often introduces a clause specifying the nature of the agreement or comprehension achieved. Ludwig indicates the phrase is correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Encyclopedias

14%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Science & Research

2%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "reached an understanding" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe that parties have come to a mutual agreement, as confirmed by Ludwig. It suggests a deeper level of comprehension than simple agreement. It is used across various contexts, including news, encyclopedias, and formal business settings. While alternatives like "came to an agreement" or "achieved a consensus" exist, "reached an understanding" emphasizes that parties have not only agreed but also comprehend the nuances of the agreement. When employing the phrase in writing, ensure you're not overstating the completeness of the agreement and instead accurately reflect if it is a partial or ongoing accord.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

came to an agreement

Emphasizes the act of agreeing on specific terms or conditions.

achieved a consensus

Highlights that all parties involved are in agreement, often after discussion.

arrived at a mutual decision

Focuses on the decision-making process and the shared outcome.

forged a compromise

Implies that each party conceded some points to reach the final agreement.

settled on a resolution

Highlights that the agreement resolves a conflict or dispute.

struck a deal

More informal, suggesting a transactional agreement.

came to terms

Suggests acceptance of conditions, often after negotiation.

found common ground

Focuses on discovering shared interests or beliefs.

saw eye to eye

Indicates complete agreement on a particular issue.

established a common view

Focuses on the shared understanding or perspective that has been created.

FAQs

How can I use "reached an understanding" in a sentence?

You can use "reached an understanding" to describe a situation where parties have come to a mutual agreement or comprehension. For example, "After several hours of discussion, they "reached an understanding" regarding the terms of the contract."

What are some alternatives to "reached an understanding"?

Alternatives include "came to an agreement", "achieved a consensus", or "arrived at a mutual decision", depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say 'reached to an understanding' instead of "reached an understanding"?

No, the correct phrase is "reached an understanding". The preposition 'to' is unnecessary and grammatically incorrect in this context.

What is the difference between "reached an understanding" and "came to an agreement"?

"Reached an understanding" implies a deeper level of comprehension and shared perspective, while "came to an agreement" primarily focuses on the act of agreeing on specific terms or conditions.