seal a pact

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "seal a pact" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to the act of formally agreeing to a treaty or agreement between parties. Example: "The two nations decided to seal a pact to ensure peace and cooperation for the future."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

The 195 countries of the UN framework convention on climate change (UNFCCC) are meant to seal a pact to ensure warming is limited to 2C over pre-industrial times.

The Guardian

The president has faced savage criticism from hardliners for his attempts to seal a pact with "the Great Satan", but the nuclear framework deal announced in Lausanne has the one endorsement that matters most: that of Mr Khamenei.

The Economist

UN members have set a goal of limiting warming to 2C over pre-industrial levels, and have set a conference in Paris in December as the place to seal a pact to achieve this.

The Guardian

Hollande, by contrast, has moved cautiously, with a series of half measures, often zigzagging with shifting poll numbers — first raising taxes, then lowering them, declaring war on finance, and trying to seal a pact with employers to kickstart France's economy — and pleasing almost no one in the process.

The New Yorker

Rebecca Harms (Greens, DE) said it's wrong to "seal a pact with Erdogan", while Messrs Verhofstadt and Pittella insisted that the action plan is no "blank cheque" signed for Turkey, but that the EU needs to step up help to host refugees in good conditions in the region, including education for children.

European Parliament

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

Ibn Saud slaughtered a goat on the deck of the warship, sealing a pact that makes his kingdom America's oldest continuous ally in the region.

The Economist

THE war on those stashing undisclosed money offshore intensified this week when 47 countries, including the Group of 20 and some prominent tax havens, sealed a pact that will shake up the sharing of tax information.

The Economist

Mr. Rauti recently sealed a pact with Mr. Berlusconi that would virtually assure Fiamma Tricolore that it would hold on to that seat in these elections, for both houses of Parliament.

The New York Times

Alfredo Pérez Rubalcaba, the veteran interior minister, adds the jobs of deputy prime minister and government spokesman to his portfolio.A few days earlier Mr Zapatero had sealed a pact with the Basque Nationalist Party (PNV) to ensure the passage of his minority government's budget.

The Economist

He was invited to the White House for a summit to seal a bi-lateral pact.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

They subsequently sealed a second pact, known as the Louvre Accord, this time to buy dollars.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "seal a pact", ensure that the context involves a formal agreement or understanding between two or more parties. This phrase is best suited for situations where the agreement is significant and intended to be binding.

Common error

Avoid using "seal a pact" in casual or informal settings. The phrase carries a degree of formality, so using it when discussing simple agreements can sound stilted or unnatural.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "seal a pact" functions as a verb phrase indicating the action of formally concluding an agreement. It suggests a decisive moment where parties commit to the terms outlined in the pact, as Ludwig's examples demonstrate in varied situations like climate change agreements, political alliances, and trade deals.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Formal & Business

20%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Science

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "seal a pact" is a grammatically correct expression used to describe the formalization of an agreement, as affirmed by Ludwig AI. While it is not overly common, it is appropriate in a range of neutral contexts, particularly in news and business, where the finality and binding nature of an agreement needs to be emphasized. To avoid misuse, remember that "seal a pact" should be reserved for more formal contexts. Consider alternatives like "conclude an agreement" for situations requiring less formality. Therefore, while relatively infrequent, "seal a pact" remains a useful tool for precise and impactful communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

conclude an agreement

Focuses on the completion of an agreement, without necessarily emphasizing the formal aspect.

finalize an arrangement

Implies putting the last touches on an informal or less binding arrangement.

ratify a treaty

Specifically refers to the formal approval of an international agreement.

execute a contract

Highlights the legal and binding nature of a formal contract.

solemnize an agreement

Emphasizes the serious and formal nature of the agreement.

formalize an understanding

Highlights making an informal agreement more official.

enter into a covenant

A more formal and often religious or moral term for making an agreement.

reach a consensus

Focuses on achieving agreement among a group of people.

strike a bargain

Implies negotiation and compromise to reach an agreement.

close a deal

A more informal term for finalizing a business transaction.

FAQs

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

You can use "seal a pact" when referring to the act of formally agreeing to a treaty or agreement between parties. For example: "The countries met to seal a pact ensuring long-term peace."

What is a good alternative to "seal a pact"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "conclude an agreement", "ratify a treaty", or "formalize an understanding".

What does it mean to "seal a pact"?

To "seal a pact" means to formally agree to or finalize an agreement, often implying a binding commitment between the involved parties.

Is "seal a pact" appropriate for informal conversations?

While grammatically correct, "seal a pact" is generally more appropriate for formal or serious contexts. In informal conversations, simpler phrases like "make a deal" or "reach an agreement" may be more suitable.