seal a contract

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "seal a contract" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you are referring to the process of legally binding two or more parties to an agreement. For example, "After long negotiations, both parties were able to seal a contract that would benefit them all."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

However, at the point of closing a deal, only Ireland can issue and seal a contract.

Independent

Jonathan Raper, the chief executive of Placr, was on Tuesday visiting Blackpool where he hopes to seal a contract offering his company's services - which are built around public data - that will cement its position.

The Guardian - Tech

The prayers of the imam only work to call attendees to bless the happiness of the newly wed, and they're certainly not intended to seal a contract between two zawjan – a gender neutral Arabic term meaning "spouse".

The Guardian - Opinion

Unlike its smaller rivals, China Mobile does not offer the iPhone but it hopes to seal a contract with Apple to begin selling the popular smartphone later this year to boost growth, according to local reports.

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

"There is nothing that prevents producers and consumers from sealing a contract," said Raymond Plank, chairman of the Apache Corporation, a Houston natural gas exploration and production company, and a vocal critic of natural gas and power trading.

The New York Times

Britain's last remaining train factory has been dealt a blow after the government sealed a contract with Germany's Siemens to build 1,140 train carriages for the cross-London Thameslink rail route.

The Guardian - Business

Think new carpet doesn't help seal a new contract?

The New York Times - Sports

Wenger also praised the emergence of youngsters Hector Bellerin and Francis Coquelin last season as they broke into the first team when the opportunity presented itself due to injury, with the latter set to seal a new contract with the Gunners.

Independent

But team boss Martin Whitmarsh is "expecting" to seal a longer contract.

BBC

The 25-year-old striker passed a medical and agreed personal terms at Cardiff City Stadium to seal a three-year contract.

BBC

The Fox News Channel has sealed a new contract with its 10 p.m. anchor, Greta Van Susteren, giving its hugely popular prime-time lineup an added measure of stability.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "seal a contract", ensure that the context implies a formal agreement or deal being finalized. It's most appropriate in business, legal, or official settings.

Common error

Avoid using "seal a contract" in casual conversations or informal writing. It sounds too formal and may be perceived as unnatural. Opt for simpler phrases like "make a deal" or "agree on terms" in less formal situations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "seal a contract" functions as an idiomatic expression indicating the completion of a formal agreement. It often signifies the transition from negotiation to a legally binding commitment. Ludwig confirms this as a correct and usable phrase.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Formal & Business

25%

Science

25%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "seal a contract" is a correct and usable idiomatic expression that means to finalize or formally agree to the terms of a contract. As Ludwig confirms, this phrase is best suited for formal contexts like business, legal, or news reporting. While grammatically sound, it's less common in everyday conversation, where simpler alternatives may be more appropriate. When writing, it's better to focus on contexts implying a formal agreement or deal. The most frequently cited authoritative source is BBC followed by The Guardian and The New York Times.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

finalize an agreement

Focuses on the completion aspect of the agreement process, implying that all details are already settled.

execute a contract

Emphasizes the legal and formal aspect of putting the contract into effect.

close a deal

Highlights the successful conclusion of negotiations and the agreement to terms.

conclude an agreement

Similar to 'finalize', but with a slightly more formal tone, suggesting the ending of discussions and the start of the agreement's implementation.

formalize an agreement

Stresses the act of making the agreement official and legally binding.

ratify a contract

Indicates the official confirmation or approval of the contract, often by a governing body or higher authority.

cement a deal

Implies a strong and lasting agreement, suggesting stability and commitment.

secure a contract

Focuses on the achievement of obtaining the contract, often implying competition or effort.

enter into a contract

Describes the act of formally beginning a contractual relationship.

strike a deal

Suggests a negotiation process leading to a mutually beneficial agreement.

FAQs

What does "seal a contract" mean?

The phrase "seal a contract" means to finalize or formally agree to the terms of a contract, making it legally binding.

How can I use "seal a contract" in a sentence?

You can use "seal a contract" in a sentence like, "After months of negotiations, the company was finally able to "seal a contract" with its main supplier."

What are some alternatives to "seal a contract"?

Alternatives to "seal a contract" include "finalize an agreement", "execute a contract", or "close a deal" depending on the specific context.

Is "seal a contract" formal or informal?

"Seal a contract" is considered a relatively formal expression, best suited for business, legal, or official contexts. Less formal alternatives exist for casual conversation.