reaching a compromise

USAGE SUMMARY

"reaching a compromise" is correct and can be used in written English.
It's used when two parties are trying to settle a conflict or disagreement and come to some kind of agreement. Example: After much negotiation, the two sides were finally able to reach a compromise.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

There is no evidence of progress at reaching a compromise.

The New York Times

There is little time for reaching a compromise.

The New York Times

Mayor A. C. Wharton said reaching a compromise would be difficult.

The New York Times

The European Union and America seem newly serious about reaching a compromise on farm trade.

The Economist

There should be little difficulty in reaching a compromise for the governor to sign.

The New York Times

General Electric continued to play down the chances of reaching a compromise with the commission yesterday.

The New York Times

Officials said they were hopeful of reaching a compromise by Wednesday night.

The Guardian

Tsipras said he was optimistic about reaching a compromise on renegotiating Greece's €240bn international bailout.

The Guardian

In the last days of the debate over federal loan rates, lawmakers seem to be reaching a compromise.

Stanford University

After wearily reaching a compromise on the Sewol bill, the floor leader of the NPAD resigned last month.

The Economist

The chambers now face the pressure of reaching a compromise before Congress goes into recess next week.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "reaching a compromise", ensure that the context clearly indicates the specific issues being negotiated and the parties involved. Providing this context enhances the clarity and impact of your statement.

Common error

Avoid using "reaching a compromise" when the agreement is only temporary or partial. A true compromise involves substantial concessions from all parties, not just a temporary cease-fire or superficial agreement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "reaching a compromise" functions as a gerund phrase, often serving as the subject or object of a sentence. Ludwig AI shows numerous examples where it describes the process of achieving an agreement through mutual concessions. It highlights the active and ongoing effort involved in negotiation.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Academia

14%

Encyclopedias

4%

Less common in

Science

4%

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "reaching a compromise" is a very common gerund phrase that describes the process of achieving an agreement through mutual concessions. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and its frequent use in various contexts, particularly in News & Media. While the phrase itself is neutral in register, its effectiveness relies on providing clear context about the issues being negotiated and the parties involved. Remember to avoid overstating the finality of the compromise and clarify its nature when using this phrase.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

arriving at a consensus

Focuses on a collective agreement where everyone is in accord, which is stronger than a simple compromise.

finding common ground

Focuses on discovering shared interests or beliefs as a basis for agreement, suggesting a more collaborative approach.

forging an agreement

Emphasizes the effort and creation involved in making an agreement, suggesting a more active and deliberate process.

settling differences

Directly addresses the resolution of conflicting opinions or interests, emphasizing the conflict being resolved.

striking a balance

Highlights the act of equalization and fair distribution of benefits or concessions between parties.

coming to terms

Suggests an acceptance of conditions or realities, often after a period of resistance or disagreement.

brokering a deal

Implies the involvement of a mediator or negotiator in facilitating the agreement, adding a layer of complexity.

hammering out a solution

Implies a strenuous and detailed negotiation process to find a resolution.

working out an arrangement

Highlights the practical and logistical aspects of creating a mutually acceptable plan.

achieving reconciliation

Emphasizes restoring harmonious relationships after a conflict, suggesting a deeper level of resolution.

FAQs

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

You can use "reaching a compromise" to describe a situation where parties with conflicting interests find a mutually acceptable solution, such as: "After lengthy negotiations, the union and the management succeeded in "reaching a compromise" regarding wages and benefits."

What are some alternatives to "reaching a compromise"?

Alternatives to "reaching a compromise" include phrases like "arriving at a consensus", "forging an agreement", or "settling differences", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it always necessary to detail the specifics of a compromise when using the phrase "reaching a compromise"?

While not always required, providing some context about the key points of the compromise can significantly enhance the clarity and impact of your statement. This is especially useful when the nature of the agreement is complex or contentious.

What's the difference between "reaching a compromise" and "making a concession"?

"Reaching a compromise" implies a mutual agreement where all parties involved make concessions. "Making a concession", on the other hand, refers to one party yielding on a particular point, which may not necessarily result in a full compromise. A compromise typically involves a series of concessions from multiple parties.