reaching an agreement

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "reaching an agreement" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where parties are negotiating or discussing terms to come to a mutual understanding or consensus. Example: "After several hours of discussion, the two companies were finally reaching an agreement on the terms of the merger."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

An informal deadline for reaching an agreement expired on Thursday.

The New York Times

But reaching an agreement has proved difficult.

The New York Times

"Not reaching an agreement in 24 hours means not reaching an agreement at all.

The New York Times

"Reaching an agreement was always going to be difficult.

The Guardian - Sport

The deadline for reaching an agreement is July 20th.

The New Yorker

The two countries are committed to reaching an agreement".

The New York Times

"Israel were not serious about reaching an agreement".

The Guardian

The veteran Jeff Garcia visited the Philadelphia Eagles yesterday and appeared close to reaching an agreement.

The New York Times

"The chances of reaching an agreement look grim," one executive said.

The New York Times

No timeframe for reaching an agreement was mentioned by either leader after their meeting.

The Guardian

The reason is the suicide bombers, and we are reaching an agreement to stop suicide bombers.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "reaching an agreement", ensure that the context clearly indicates what is being agreed upon. Be specific about the terms, scope, or subject matter of the agreement to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "reaching an agreement" without specifying the parties involved or the subject of the agreement. For example, instead of saying "They are reaching an agreement", specify "The company and the union are reaching an agreement on the new contract terms".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "reaching an agreement" functions as a gerund phrase, often acting as a noun. As Ludwig AI exemplifies, it describes the action of parties concluding negotiations and finding common ground. It can be used as a subject, object, or part of a prepositional phrase.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "reaching an agreement" is grammatically sound and frequently used to describe the culmination of negotiations or discussions, signifying that parties have found common ground. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and provides numerous examples across various reputable sources. The phrase is versatile, suitable for neutral, professional, and even formal settings. While highly adaptable, clarity is key: ensure the context specifies the parties involved and the subject of the agreement. Alternatives like "arriving at a consensus" or "concluding a deal" can offer nuanced variations depending on the situation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

arriving at a consensus

Highlights the collaborative aspect of the decision, emphasizing mutual understanding and acceptance.

achieving a resolution

Focuses on the successful ending of a dispute or problem through mutual agreement.

concluding a deal

Focuses on the finalization of a formal arrangement, emphasizing the transactional aspect.

finding common ground

Highlights the shared interests or beliefs that enable an agreement to be reached.

forging a compromise

Stresses the mutual concessions made by all parties to achieve a resolution.

coming to terms

Highlights the acceptance, often after a period of disagreement or negotiation, of a particular situation.

striking a bargain

Emphasizes the negotiation process and the exchange of concessions to reach an agreement.

settling on terms

Emphasizes the specific conditions and provisions that are agreed upon.

ironing out differences

Focuses on resolving specific points of disagreement to facilitate an agreement.

closing a negotiation

Focuses on ending the discussion and securing a deal.

FAQs

What does "reaching an agreement" mean?

The phrase "reaching an agreement" describes the process where two or more parties conclude negotiations and come to a mutual understanding, typically resulting in a formal or informal accord.

How can I use "reaching an agreement" in a sentence?

You can use "reaching an agreement" to describe progress in negotiations, like in the sentence, "After weeks of talks, the two sides are finally "reaching an agreement" on the trade deal".

What are some alternatives to "reaching an agreement"?

Some alternatives to "reaching an agreement" include "arriving at a consensus", "concluding a deal", or "forging a compromise", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "reaching an agreement" or "coming to an agreement"?

Both "reaching an agreement" and "coming to an agreement" are grammatically correct and have similar meanings. The choice often depends on personal preference or the specific context of the sentence.