seek agreement

USAGE SUMMARY

"seek agreement" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to express the idea of looking to establish a shared understanding or consensus between two or more people. For example, "The leaders of the two countries sought agreement on the trade agreement."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

At the same time, Gazprom could seek agreement with the Kremlin to gently increase domestic prices.

The New York Times

But leaders urged the candidates to seek agreement on a format, and talks were continuing.

The New York Times

Rowe does not necessarily seek agreement with fellow professionals, preferring to remain an outsider.

The Guardian - Books

Panelists assigned passing points, then met in groups to seek agreement.

The New York Times

First, they will seek agreement on the substance of proposed new rights for patients.

The New York Times

It was found that the strategies of "Notice, attend to H", "Seek agreement", and "Avoid disagreement" were most frequently used.

Procedia - Social and Behavioral Sciences

The government's approach to harmonising the sales taxes levied by state governments is to seek agreement to gradual change.

The Economist

A1 Iran, Europe Seek Agreement Iranian and European negotiators met in secrecy in London to seek agreement over Iran's nuclear program, and Iranian leaders increased pressure for a quick deal to permit them to resume enriching uranium for nuclear fuel.

The New York Times

They also must seek agreement from senior officials before speaking to the media and in some instances Congress.

The Guardian

If British negotiators resist compromise, he could seek agreement among the 26 other nations and then maximize pressure on Mr. Cameron.

The New York Times

Mr. Obama laid out three areas in which to seek agreement with Republicans — a longer-term spending deal, an immigration overhaul and a farm bill.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "seek agreement" in formal writing, ensure that the context clearly indicates who is seeking the agreement and what the subject of the agreement is. For example, "The diplomats sought agreement on the terms of the treaty."

Common error

Avoid using "seek agreement" when a simple acknowledgement or understanding is sufficient. "Seek agreement" implies a formal or significant consensus, not just basic comprehension.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "seek agreement" functions as a verbal phrase indicating an action aimed at achieving consensus or a shared understanding. Ludwig AI indicates this phrase is correct and usable in written English. The phrase signifies an active pursuit rather than a passive state.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Science

23%

Academia

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Wiki

1%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "seek agreement" is a versatile and frequently used expression, primarily functioning as a verbal phrase that denotes the action of trying to find common ground or consensus, according to Ludwig AI. It is grammatically sound and suitable for various contexts, most commonly found in news and media, scientific, and academic sources. While its tone is generally neutral, it can also be professional depending on the specific situation. Alternatives like "reach consensus" or "find common ground" offer similar meanings with nuanced differences. When using "seek agreement", it's important to ensure the context warrants a formal consensus and to specify who is seeking the agreement and on what subject.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

build consensus

Focuses on the gradual process of constructing agreement through discussion and compromise.

reach consensus

Focuses on the outcome of the effort, highlighting the achieved agreement rather than the process of seeking it.

find common ground

Emphasizes the discovery of shared interests or beliefs as a basis for agreement.

negotiate a settlement

Highlights the bargaining process involved in reaching an agreement, often in the context of resolving a dispute.

pursue a compromise

Suggests a willingness to make concessions in order to achieve an agreement.

aim for accord

Implies a deliberate effort to achieve harmony or agreement, often in formal settings.

strive for unanimity

Suggests an effort to achieve complete agreement, with everyone in full accord.

work towards reconciliation

Emphasizes the restoration of friendly relations, often after a conflict, as a means of reaching an agreement.

foster understanding

Focuses on building mutual comprehension, which can lead to eventual agreement.

mediate a solution

Highlights the role of a third party in facilitating an agreement between conflicting parties.

FAQs

How can I use "seek agreement" in a sentence?

You can use "seek agreement" to describe the act of trying to find common ground or consensus. For example, "The negotiators will "seek agreement" on the key issues during the talks."

What phrases are similar to "seek agreement"?

Similar phrases include "reach consensus", "find common ground", or "negotiate a settlement", all indicating efforts to find shared understanding or resolution.

Is it always necessary to "seek agreement" in a negotiation?

While it's beneficial to "seek agreement", sometimes acknowledging differing viewpoints or agreeing to disagree can also be a viable outcome, depending on the situation.

What's the difference between "seek agreement" and "secure agreement"?

"Seek agreement" implies an ongoing effort to find common ground. "Secure agreement" suggests the successful completion of that effort, meaning an agreement has been reached and finalized.